Golden Legend, vol. 1

The Golden Legend, an extensive collection of saints’ biographies, became one of the best-selling books of the late medieval period. By the 15th century, editions of Voragine’s Golden Legend were available in every major European language. This seven-volume edition, published in 1900, is F. S. Ellis’ modern update of a 1483 Middle English translation. While the latter six volumes contain brief biographies of the saints, this first volume records the history of major Old Testament figures as well as the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Together with these histories, Voragine details the establishment of the major Christian sacraments and holidays.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff