The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts

by Abbie Farwell Brown

"The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts" by Abbie Farwell Brown is a collection of charming stories written in the turn of the 20th century. The book narrates the legendary tales of various saints, showcasing their interactions with animals, emphasizing themes of kindness, compassion, and friendship across species. Different characters, such as Saint Bridget, Saint Gerasimus, and many others, embody traits of goodness and warmth that resonate with the spirit of unity between humans and creatures. The opening of the book sets the tone for these tales, featuring Saint Bridget and a king's wolf. The story begins with a glimpse into the life of Saint Bridget, illustrating her deep compassion for creatures labelled as wild or dangerous. When the king's beloved tame wolf is accidentally shot by a countryman, Bridget takes it upon herself to rescue the man from a harsh punishment by presenting the king with a wild wolf that she has tamed. This encounter highlights the saint's bravery and cleverness while establishing the book's central theme of understanding and empathy towards all beings, as well as the enduring power of friendship and redemption.