The challenging life of the current Catholic is not so very different from that of the early Christians-- persectution and opposition is just as imminent nowadays as it was two thousand years ago. Pious readers young and old are sure to find Cardinal Wiseman's famous novel an inspiration in facing the trials and hardships which confront those who hold true to Christ's Church. Well-beloved heroes such as Tarcisius, Pancratius, Anges, and Sebastian are brought to life in a remarkable and chamring manner. Christian doctrines are beautifully portrayed throughout the dialouge of the characters, and reader shall come to love the haughty pagan who finds the true Faith on accoutn of the prayers and sacrfices of her humble slave. The life of the early Christians is shown with remarkable detail, and the Catacombs are explored in depth. Truly this shall come one of the most treasured volumes in the possesion of its reader!