This book is a selection of saints presented chronologically and as Patrons. The proportion of women to men is deliberately higher than usual and the aim is - in accordance with Pope John Paul's intentions - to produce a worldwide spread of saints. Lesser-known figures that did remarkable things feature amongst some of the best-known saints.
Although legends are mentioned, in true Butler's tradition emphasis is always on historical fact. Entries are limited to canonised saints. Emblems or attributes are described where relevant and there are touches of humour where appropriate.
The short introduction concentrates on the historical development of canonisation and draws some social implications.
At the head of each page the patronage of the saint in question is given: for example medicine, taking exams, music, hunting, architects and blind people. There is a saint for almost every chosen path of life and human predicament, not least the endlessly forgetful, people who cannot stop losing things and the accident-prone.
On each page there is a decoration or illustration. The book ends with a simple glossary.
