This anthology celebrates an enduring social figure: the holy (or not so holy) man or woman of God. They are as varied as they are numerous: they may be idle or diligent, rich or poor, adventurous, studious, corrupt, fervent, petulant, domineering, wise, foolish, loveable or detestable, ambitious or humble. The Reformation ushered in a new kind of holy man -- the married priest --and we see these figures at home as well as in their pulpits or about their parishes. Drawn from a thousand years of literature and letters, this is a unique and thoroughly enjoyable collection.