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Vincent de Paul, the Trailblazer opens a bright window into the turbulent world of a renowned saint who lived during a time of great unrest. Bernard Pujo details how politics, war, and Vincent’s own charismatic personality served as essential elements in his construction of a vast and lasting web of charitable works. Pujo introduces readers not only to the fascinating life of Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), but also to the cultural, political, social, ecclesiastical, and economic life of France during the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Pujo’s rich portrait reveals that Vincent played an active and prominent part in shaping this period of French history. In his quest to minister to the needs of the poor, Vincent counseled and challenged some of the key figures in French politics. Vincent de Paul, the Trailblazer describes Vincent’s childhood, his education, his life as a young priest, his skills as an organizer and manager, and his commitment to serving the physical and spiritual needs of the poor. This authoritative biography is lively enough to interest general readers and detailed enough to appeal to scholars of French and church history.
“Vincent de Paul, whose good influence is still felt today, is one of the most attractive saints of modern times. His complex life, set against the tumultuous period of seventeenth-century France, demands high historical skills for any potential biographer. Bernard Pujo more than adequately rises to that challenge. This book was a joy to read.” —Lawrence S. Cunningham, University of Notre Dame
Bernard Pujo is a historian and the author of several biographies, including Juin, Maréchal de France, Vauban, and Le Grand Condé.
Gertrud Graubart Champe, PhD, is a professional translator with an interest in European cultural history.