7The biographic text of St. Anthony is presented in this complete, unabridged edition for the reader's absorption and contemplation.

First published in the 4th century A.D., Anthony the Great's biography was authored by Christian Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. Since its original release, the book has helped spread the beliefs, practices and arduous faith of Anthony the Great to a wider audience.

A significant progenitor of the monastic tradition, Saint Anthony lived an ascetic lifestyle in the deserts of Egypt. Although not the earliest of religious figures committed to this tradition, through his actions and preaching Anthony helped popularise and spread principles that would contribute heavily to the establishment of Christian monastic orders in Europe and beyond.

One famous event in St. Anthony's life was his encounter with the supernatural in the remote reaches of the Egyptian desert. This occurrence, wherein the otherworldly presence tried to tempt him away from his spartan philosophy of living, has experienced much coverage in Western art and literature.

The translation to English contained in this edition is by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace; theologians who held Anthony the Great in high esteem.