The Golden Legend is one of the central texts of the Middle Ages, a superb summary of saints’ lives and religious festivals which decisively influenced the imagery of poetry, painting and stained glass. This selection of over 70 biographies ranges from the first Apostles and Roman martyrs to near-contemporaries like St Dominic, St Francis of Assisi and St Elizabeth of Hungary. Jacobus’s book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand medieval imagery, art and thought- this fine new translation captures both its vigour and variety.