The famous French author's unique writing style captivates the reader with the heroic story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a modern apostle of Catholic evangelization, Marian spirituality, and a martyr of charity. With the encouragement of Pope John Paul II and the help of documentation (some unpublished) given to him by the Vatican, Frossard chronicles the dramatic and moving life of this Polish Franciscan who volunteered to die in place of a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz.

While his heroic martyr's death is well known, Frossard shows how Kolbe's whole life was one of extraordinary generosity in devotion to his ideal of "love without limits." Kolbe was that rare combination of mystic, intellectual genius, theologian, and down-to-earth practicality. His tremendous creative energies (despite constant bouts of tuberculosis and less than one lung) enhanced the lives of all those who knew him, the millions who read his publications, and the countless persons inspired by his example.

This book reveals the interesting and impressive details of Kolbe's childhood, vision of Mary, brilliance in his studies, his founding of the largest monastery in the world (700 Franciscans), massive printing apostolate, missionary journeys to Japan, and his final act of love in Auschwitz. Frossard has captured the heart of the man whom Pope John Paul II declared "the patron saint of this difficult century."

"Despite my familiarity with the facts I found it impossible to put this book down. Frossard blends literary skill with scholarship and emotional impact to recount one of the greatest lives of the 20th century. Religious biography at its best!"
- Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
Author, The Reform of Renewal

Andr Frossard is a noted French author and journalist whose many books include Portrait of John Paul II and Be Not Afraid