Following his series of Catecheses on the Apostles and major figures of the primitive Church (audience from 7th March 2007 to the 27th February 2008), Benedict XVI turns all his knowledge and insight to the preachers, poets, homilits and theologians of the next five centuries. The lives and contributions to Catholic life and thought of great figures such as St Augustine of Hippo, Origen, and St John Chrysostom are discribed and explored in accessible language and with a great love and enthusiasm.

This book will encourage readers to get to know and appreciate the founding figures of Christianity and their ever-fresh and challenging teachings.