The federation of Columban monasteries left three major hagiographies - the "Vita Columbae" of Adomnan, the "life of Adomnan" and an Irish life of Colum Cille. Part 1 sets the historical scene, describing the internal development and external relations of the Columban "familia" from its sixth-century origins to its break up in the twelfth century; and the transfer of leadership of the federation from Iona to Kells and subsequently to Derry. Part 2 examines the content, language, date, and contemporary concerns revealed by a study of the saints' lives. Part 3 presents the scholarly edition of the Irish life of Colum Cille. This work is aimed at scholars and students of the language and history of early medieval Ireland and Britain; of early Christianity and the early Irish church; of ecclesiastical history; of hagiography and early medieval literature.
