'Piers Paul Read, from the IntroductionFrancis de Sales was born in France and became Bishop of Geneva in the early seventeenth century. Famed for his patience, he was known as a preacher, evangelist and spiritual director. Together with Jane de Chantal, he founded the congregation of the Visitation of Holy Mary.

Written to help lay people to live in the world without being influenced by its spirit, Introduction to the Devout Life is a timeless classic on spiritual growth. It provides a series of practical meditations that can enrich the reader's prayer life. In short, pithy chapters, Francis de Sales gives advice on such topics as humility, patience and poverty of spirit.

His aim is to guide anyone with courage and determination to live a life of true devotion.