His engrossing but little-known biography was composed shortly after his death by one of his disciples and is replete with extraordinary ascetic feats and harrowing episodes, from month-long fasts and nightly vigils in caves to battles with demons and political intrigues that brought him before the throne of Popes and Emperors. This new English translation, which makes the text accessible while faithfully preserving the flavour of the original Greek, is sure to captivate and inspire.