Classic Studies on St. Patrick (4 vols.)

by J. B. Bury; James Henthorn Todd; F. R. Montgomery Hitchcock

and

1 more

Publishers:

Macmillan and Co.; Macmillan Co.; Hodges, Smith and Co.; SPCK

, 1864–1920

Overview

Most likely you’ve heard of Saint Patrick. You’ve probably even worn an article of green clothing on the day celebrating this well-known churchman. But do you know who Saint Patrick was? Why has he continued to be so widely known and celebrated over 1,500 years after his death? Much of the life of Saint Patrick is shrouded in mystery and conjecture. In these volumes, Saint Patrick scholars piece together evidence and information from which emerges an intriguing figure—the Apostle to the Irish. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was captured by raiders at the age of 16 and enslaved in Ireland. After 6 years of servitude, Patrick escaped to his home and family, but would later return to the island of his captivity to bring them the message of Jesus Christ.

This collection contains important classic works on Saint Patrick, such as English translations of his surviving Latin writings, complete with introductions and notes. Additionally, there are several biographies/hagiographies of Saint Patrick, including the seventh-century biography by Muirchu, an early medieval historian and Leinster monk.

The Logos Bible Software edition of this collection is designed to encourage and enhance your study and understanding of early church history and Saint Patrick studies. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations and original-language texts, and important theological and historical concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about the Pelagian controversy in Ireland, early Irish Christianity, and many other topics related to the study of Saint Patrick.

Key Features

• English translations of Saint Patrick’s surviving works
• Rare seventh-century biography of Saint Patrick from a medieval Irish historian
• Several modern biographies by Saint Patrick scholars

Product Details

• Title: Classic Studies on St. Patrick
• Volumes: 4
• Pages: 1,248

St. Patrick, His Writings and Life

• Author: Newport J. D. White
• Series: Translations of Christian Literature, Series V: Lives of the Celtic Saints
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 1920
• Pages: 142

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

After a general introduction discussing the various issues involved in determining the dates of Saint Patrick’s life and other background information, J. D. White Newport provides translations from Latin of the two surviving writings of Saint Patrick: The Confession and The Letter. These are accompanied by introductions and notes to aid the reader in grasping the background and significance of this well-known, but little-understood, figure from ancient church history. Newport then provides an introduction to, and translation of, the Lorica of Saint Patrick, a medieval hymn said to be penned by the saint for the protection of him and his monks. Newport then provides a translation of the Sayings of Patrick from the Book of Armagh. Newport ends this volume with an introduction to, and translation of, the biography of Saint Patrick by the seventh-century Irish historian Muirchu.

Newport John Davis White (DD) (1860–1963) was Archbishop King’s Professor in the University of Dublin, Canon of Saint Patrick’s, and librarian of Archbishop Marsh’s Library, Dublin. In addition to works on Saint Patrick, White also wrote the commentary on First and Second Timothy and Titus in the Expositor’s Greek Testament, vol. 4.

St. Patrick and His Gallic Friends

• Author: F. R. Montgomery Hitchcock
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 1916
• Pages: 164

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Part one of this work presents a broad view of the life and times of Saint Patrick. Starting with a chapter on Christianity in Ireland before Saint Patrick, Hitchcock then provides a helpful overview of Saint Patrick’s doctrine, writings, life, and mission. Hitchcock addresses several controversial issues surrounding the study of this figure, like his possible identification with Palladius, and offers critical thought on current theories.

Part two moves on to discuss Saint Patrick’s Gallic friends: Martin of Tours, Germanus of Auxerre, and others. Hitchcock also discusses Saint Patrick’s involvement in the great Pelagian controversy which the church did not want to spread to Ireland.

Francis Ryan Montgomery Hitchcock (1865–1951) was Donnellan Lecturer in the University of Dublin and Examining Chaplain to the Bishop of Killaloe. He was also the author of Irenaeus of Lugdunum: A Study of his Teaching and Types of Celtic Life and Art.

The Life of St. Patrick and His Place in History

• Author: J. B. Bury
• Publisher: Macmillan
• Publication Date: 1905
• Pages: 404

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

As a historian deeply interested in Saint Patrick, but unable to cut through the mystery and controversy of his life and work, professor J. B. Bury set out to produce an extensive and informed biography of Saint Patrick that would shed light on this significant figure. This methodical examination of Saint Patrick scholarship was intended to present an unbiased look at the fragmented history of Saint Patrick and to sketch a more objective portrait of the man.

Bury begins with a discussion of the spread of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire to set the context of Saint Patrick’s life. The majority of the volume is then spent tracing the life of Saint Patrick from his parentage to his captivity and escape, and on to his journey into the ministry that brought him back to Ireland, where he was formerly enslaved. In addition to a detailed account of the various events in the life and ministry of Saint Patrick, Bury also discusses the political and social climate of Ireland. Bury then discusses the various writings of Saint Patrick and his place and significant in history. Several appendices, including bibliographical information and excurses, are also included.

John Bagnell Bury (1861–1927) was regius professor of modern history at King’s College in the University of Cambridge. He received five honorary doctorates from the Universities of Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. He was a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences and a fellow of Trinity College at the University of Dublin and King’s College at the University of Cambridge.

St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland: A Memoir of His Life and Mission

• Author: James Henthorn Todd
• Publisher: Hodges, Smith, & Co.
• Publication Date: 1864
• Pages: 538

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In addition to its significant contribution to Patrician studies, this volume contains extensive introductory material on Irish history, including topics like the customs of the ancient church of Ireland and genealogical tables of Irish kings. Following the introduction, Todd begins by discussing the life and work of Palladius, believed to be a different figure whose works came to be attributed to Saint Patrick. Todd goes on to present the life and work of Saint Patrick and gives detailed accounts of his various missionary efforts in Ireland. He also includes discussions on interesting topics like the reason for Saint Patrick’s success in Ireland, establishing the date of his death, the rise of monasticism in Ireland, and more.

James Henthorn Todd (DD) (1805–1869) was regius professor of Hebrew at the University of Dublin and senior fellow of Trinity College. He was a noted librarian, teacher, and scholar of Irish history.