2019 Reprint of 1955 Edition. Butler's great work, The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints ("Butler's Lives"), the result of thirty years' study, was first published in four volumes in London, 1756-1759. It is a popular and compendious reproduction of the Acta Sanctorum, exhibiting great industry and research, and is in all respects the best compendium of Acta in English. Butler's magnum opus has passed many editions and translations. Butler gives an account of one or more Saints for each day of the calendar. Great for a daily meditation; each life is followed by a "lesson" from the life to help one apply the virtues of the Saint to ourselves.