<p>In "The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick," James O'Leary meticulously examines the earliest hagiographies of Ireland's patron saint, drawing upon a diverse array of sources ranging from the fifth to the ninth centuries. O'Leary's literary style is characterized by a rigorous analysis of ancient texts, revealing the socio-historical context in which these lives were written. Through a critical lens, he challenges romanticized narratives, pre...