Succinct and thoughtful, this collection of 100 classics of past and present Catholic literature covers topics ranging from biography, spirituality, theology, and poetry to history, mystical writings, and fiction. Each of the chronologically arranged entries introduces one book in its historical context, provides information about the author, and gives a clear and focused summary of its content. Whether readers are looking for an overview of Catholic thought and writing across the centuries or want to begin discovering these classics for themselves, this book offers an illuminating gateway to some of the great achievements of the human heart and mind.