This engaging analysis of the evolving role of sainthood recounts the lives of the most influential figures from the Old Testament to the present day. Jacques Duquesne demystifies the notions of sainthood, martyrdom, beautification, and canonisation, placing the role of saints into its wider historical and social context and examining the significance of and changing attitudes toward saints over the centuries. Through a series of fascinating portraits, this richly illustrated work recounts the inspirational stories and achievements of those who have been bestowed with the highest honor in the Christian church, from the Apostles, Gabriel the Archangel, or Alfred the Great, to Edward the Confessor, Joan of Arc, and Teresa of Avila.