Title: The Christians - Volume 1 - The Soldier's Coat - Max Gallo - book
Summary :
In his new three-volume epic, Max Gallo recounts the birth of Christian France through three great figures: Martin, the first evangelist of Gaul; Clovis, converted barbarian, first great Christian king, who unified Gaul; Bernard, the great Cistercian founder who preached the Second Crusade.
In the first part of this triptych, Julius and Antonius Galvinius, a tribune and his son, are at odds: supporters of two conflicting worlds, they attempt to convert each other, one to ancient tradition, the other to the new faith. They clash over the life of Saint Martin.
Also torn between two worldviews, Martin chose to devote himself, in prayer and solitude, to his God. But this God decided otherwise: elected Bishop of Tours, Martin was called to convert and destroy pagan worship, armed with prayer and preaching. His discipline, the poverty of his subsistence, and the miracles he performed attracted a growing community around him, who soon recognized him as the first great Christian master.
A worthy disciple of Martin, Antonius died a martyr after saving his father Julius from the hands of the barbarians. This sacrifice led the latter to replace him in his hermitage after rallying to the true faith.
Martin, Clovis, Bernard: on these three foundation stones, Max Gallo recounts with strength and faith the birth of Christian France.
