It is a bold publisher who decides these days to publish a series of books on the early Fathers of the Church. These brief treatments depict the lives and works of these early Christian saints.
Patrick is, of course, the patron saint of Ireland, and his life a rather romantic one (Patrick of Ireland by Michael Haykin, ISBN: 9781781913031).
Basil of Caesarea (AD 329-379) is not nearly so well known, but was important because of his writings on the Holy Spirit. Important, too, was his defence of Christian orthodoxy at a time when the Christian faith was under attack from various heresies which would have destroyed the Faith. Foundations were laid in Basil’s era which remain until today.
Both books are quite brief, but are readable introductions to men who contributed much to the Church at that time, and whose influence persists even today.
Review by Rev. Brian Butler