In a biography intended for English readers, and with limited space at my disposal, it would not be possible to give anything like an elaborate historical account of one who, whether we regard him as a scholar, a founder of Monasteries, or a Christian leader, was one of the most remarkable men of the early Celtic Church.<br><br>It has rather been my aim to write, with simplicity and conciseness, a memoir of the Saint based on facts drawn from genuine and authentic sources. In furtherance of this aim I consulted almost every branch of Columban literature, with the result that, whilst many of the various "Lives" of St. Columba which have been handed down to us are interesting and more or less valuable, the only ones about which no doubt has been entertained are, one by Adamnan, and that known as the Old Irish Life. When compared with other biographies these have been found to be less affected by the ravages of time and have better stood the severe test of criticism.