Here is the story that launched a thousand monasteries. The Life of Antony, written by the fourth-century bishop Athanasius, is the original desert father biography — a riveting account of one man’s radical pursuit of God in the Egyptian wilderness. This modern English edition strips away archaic language while preserving the power and authenticity of Athanasius’s narrative. You will meet Antony as he leaves his inheritance, wrestles with visions of temptation, and emerges as a calm, wise elder whose words still cut through spiritual confusion. Read how he taught disciples to discern spirits, to pray without ceasing, and to find joy in simplicity. Whether you are a seeker, a student of spirituality, or simply curious about the roots of Christian contemplation, this edition invites you into a timeless encounter with the desert. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.