This sensuous book is absolutely compelling. Its visual impact entices the reader to turn the pages quickly to the next beautiful illustration, but we are restrained by the complementary vivid descriptions of episodes in the life of our patron saint. We learn about Christian and pagan rituals in ancient Wales, rules of hospitality, the Yellow plague, and the close connections of the Celtic nations in a thoroughly entertaining manner.It is also a book full of the contrasts of life at that time: the beauty of the landscapes against the wildness of the elements; gentle pursuits against a background of ever-present danger; the luscious celebratory food against a generally frugal lifestyle. The characters demand our attention; some of the scoundrels are larger than life and even the holy monks are fallible. David himself leads a pious life, but one full of adventures and a great deal of fun. Finally, we are offered a valuable lesson by the wise man himself: 'And remember this: half the things you're afraid of never happen, and the other half are never as bad as you expect them to be.'.