Columbanus: Poet, Preacher, Statesman, Saint by Carol Richards
| Columbanus: Poet, Preacher, Statesman, Saint by Carol Richards | |
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| Category: Spirituality and Religion | |
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Reviewer: Louise Laurie
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| Summary: This is a rather scholarly account of Saint Columbanus. Although Irish, this commanding figure in both political and religious life, travelled extensively in the period of the Dark Ages. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 128 | Date: June 2010 |
| Publisher: Imprint Academic | |
| ISBN: 978-1845401900 | |
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Richards is at pains to point out straight away that the reader mustn't confuse Columbanus with Columba of Iona. She informs us that the latter did not travel extensively but the former, the subject of her book, did travel throughout parts of Europe. She gives her subject a terrific introduction on the cover, describing him as poet, preacher, statesman, saint. And then goes into much more detail about these areas of his life.
Even although we are in the depths of the Dark Ages (as early as page two in the book), Richards talks about a united Europe and that For many centuries attempts have been made to create a united Europe. She believes that Columbanus was instrumental in its foundation. You perhaps wouldn't necessarily associate a fiery, short-fused Irishman with such diplomatic leanings. Some cynics would say that now, in 2010, we're still trying to create this elusive united Europe.
We are given may interesting facts throughout this book. For example, there are apparently two distinct types of saints. We are also given some information on Druidism, Roman Catholicism, the Protestant Reformation; how they came into being and how they've changed and evolved over time. For readers who are specifically interested in religion and all things spiritual, this will no doubt be a fascinating read. It is academic, but not dry or dull.
We don't know too much of Columbanus' early life. But we do know that he was born in the year AD 543 in southern Ireland. And Richards obligingly breaks down the various castes, or classes, if you like, explaining the hierarchy. Columbanus was pretty high up the pecking order. Anyone who wrote poetry, as he did, was held in high regard. And he would have enjoyed a good quality of life including a classical education. A true scholar indeed. He comes over as an extremely inquisitive, curious and intellectual man. It certainly seems as if he needed constant mental stimulation.
He comes a bit of a cropper on his European travels, however. Almost getting caught up in such murky business as conspiracy and murder. Almost. Around the middle section of the book under the chapter Backwoodsmen is a lovely piece described as an Irish blessing. I want to quote it in its entirety. May you have food and raiment and a soft pillow for your head, and may you be half an hour in heaven before the Devil knows you're there. I can almost hear that lovely Irish lilt in the telling of it.
I think this book will particularly appeal to those readers with a strong interest in religion. But personally, whenever I see or read that enigmatic word 'saint' I'm hooked good and proper; I want to know more. This book did not disappoint.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
If this book appeals you might also enjoy Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Columbanus: Poet, Preacher, Statesman, Saint by Carol Richards at Amazon.com.
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