Introduction / by Jon M. Sweeney -- Patrick's place in history -- The spread of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire -- How Patrick came to Ireland -- Captivity and escape -- Sojourn in Gaul and back to Britain -- Palladius and Patrick -- Political and social conditions at that time -- The first mission -- Legends of Patrick and the Druids -- Early conversions and communities -- Preaching and legends in Connaught -- Visit to Rome -- The preeminence of Armagh -- Cloisters and chieftains -- His denunciation of Coroticus and the confession -- The real and the mythic Patrick -- Death and burial.