From St Fillan of Munster, patron saint of the mentally ill, who read by the light of his miraculously glowing arm, to Santa Lucia, who tore out her eyes to dismiss the lascivious attentions of her would-be husband, here are nearly 200 classic stories of the saints of Christian legend. Richard Coles, former half of 80s pop duo The Communards, now a Church of England priest and presenter of Radio 4's Saturday Live, has collected these wonderful tales from around the world. Despite their bizarre, colourful and sometimes grotesque stories, many of these saints are still celebrated and prayed to today. This collection is arranged thematically, with an index of saints' days at the back of the book for anyone who wants to discover or pray to a saint a day. Every page illustrated by cartoonist Ted Harrison, giving the book a saintly Horrible Histories feel. Author Biography Richard Coles is one of the best-known 'celebrity vicars' - previously one half of The Communards, now a Church of England priest in Finedon, Northants, and regular broadcaster. He hosts Radio 4's Saturday Live, and makes regular appearances on TV. Ted Harrison is a writer, cartoonist and broadcaster with a particular interest in religion and cults. He is author of Apocalypse When?

Martyrs and miracle-workers, monks, mystics and murderers; each of these legendary saints – respectfully introduced by Richard Coles and affectionately illustrated by Ted Harrison – can, however improbable, prompt us to reflect on faith and devotion today. From St Edith of Wilton, who beat up the Devil, to St Eutychius of Phrygia, who fell asleep and dropped from a window ledge while listening to a sermon of the Apostle Paul, only to be raised from the dead, here are 180 more astonishing stories of the saints of Christian legend. Richard Coles is co-founder of 80s pop group The Communards and is now a Church of England priest and host of Radio 4's Saturday Live.