Sharpe, Richard, trans., Life of St. Columba (New York: Penguin Classics, 1995). ISBN: 140444629
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Text name(s): Vita Sancti Columbae; Life of St. Columba

Number of pages of primary source text: 132

Medieval Author(s): Adomnán of Iona

Dates: 690 - 700

Archival Reference:

Original Language(s): Latin;

Translation: English translation.

Translation Comments:

Geopolitical Region(s): Ireland; Scotland; British Isles;

County/Region:

Apparatus: Index Appendices Bibliography Introduction

Comments:

St. Columba (not to be confused with St. Columbanus) is one of Ireland’s most famous saints. He was born of the Irish nobility in the 6th century, and became a monk. He travelled to Scotland, where he founded Iona and other monasteries, convered the Picts to Christianity, and wrote extensively. Adomnán’s life of Columba is the most complete account of his life.

Apparatus include genealogical tables; maps; index; bibliography; extensive notes.

Introduction Summary:

Lengthy introduction (102 pp.) discusses archaeological evidence from Iona, the historical context of Columba’s life, and later legends about Columba.

Cataloger: jmg; CHP