This reference work investigates the historical and legendary accounts of individuals recognized as saints within the Christian tradition. David Hugh Farmer, a noted scholar in the field of hagiography, compiles extensive biographical data to clarify the lives, cults, and historical veracity of figures ranging from the early Church to the modern era. The text serves as a systematic framework for understanding the development of sainthood and the cultural significance of these figures across centuries of religious history.

Experts and scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational and reliable reference for hagiographical research. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which prioritizes historical accuracy and source citation over narrative embellishment.