Book summary

INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE presents the correspondence of Saint Francis de Sales, a popular 16th-century minister. His precise, straightforward style and compassionate, humanistic message make his work surprisingly modern. Passages from his letters are organized as one message addressed to the allegorical character Philothea (which means "lover of God"). Most outstanding is de Sales' discussion of how to live a holy life in the secular world, which includes prayers and devotions.

Media reviews

"Must be considered among the half dozen best devotional guides of all time. (Francis) wrote out of a wide and deep experience in the office of spiritual director."