The Book of Saints and Heroes: Andrew Lang was an Oxford Fellow and Scotsman whose career spanned poetry, novels, and historical scholarship, earning him a reputation as a highly learned and versatile writer. His wife, Leonora Lang, was equally remarkable—an exceptionally educated woman who translated a history of Russia from French and wrote several books of her own. Yet, despite their many scholarly achievements, the couple is best remembered for their extraordinary series of twelve fairy tale collections. Beginning with the Blue Fairy Book in 1889 and culminating with the Lilac Fairy Book in 1910, these volumes quickly became some of the most popular gift books of their era, beloved by children and adults alike for decades.

Andrew Lang’s keen interest in anthropology inspired him to collect folk tales from all over the world, many of which were completely unknown to English readers at the time. Though the books were published under Andrew’s name, much of the painstaking work—translating, adapting, and rewriting—was done by Leonora and other collaborators, making their achievements a true partnership.

Building on the success of the Fairy Books, the Langs turned their attention to the lives of the Saints. In 1912, they published The Book of Saints and Heroes, applying the same careful research and engaging storytelling that had made their fairy tales so beloved. The result is a collection that is both inspiring and entertaining, bringing the lives of holy men and women vividly to life for young readers. The addition of illustrations by H.J. Ford, whose artwork had illuminated the Fairy Books, gives the volume a visual charm that complements the stories perfectly, making it an ideal gift for children.

Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, historian, and folklorist, renowned for his literary scholarship and anthropological interests. Leonora Lang (dates less documented) was an accomplished scholar, translator, and writer. Together, they created one of the most celebrated collections of children’s literature and folklore, combining meticulous research with storytelling that has delighted generations.