This book is a medieval biography with a twist. It’s written by one giant of the Christian world, Bernard of Clairvaux, about another: Malachy, the Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland. Bernard never actually met Malachy in person, but the two became close friends through letters and a single, powerful visit Malachy made to Bernard’s monastery in France. After Malachy’s death, Bernard wrote this as a tribute to his friend.

The Story

Bernard walks us through Malachy’s life, from his early days as a priest determined to fix the problems in the Irish church, to his rise as a reforming bishop. We see him face down corrupt local rulers, re-establish monasteries, and tirelessly travel across Ireland and to Rome. The narrative is filled with what medieval readers loved: dramatic miracles, prophetic dreams, and a clear sense that God was guiding Malachy’s mission. The heart of the story is the deep spiritual friendship between the two men, with Bernard clearly in awe of Malachy’s character and determination.

Why You Should Read It

Look past the occasional miracle story, and you find something incredibly human. This is a story about trying to make things better against huge odds. Malachy wasn’t a perfect superhero; he got tired, faced constant resistance, and often failed in the short term. Bernard’s writing makes you feel the weight of that struggle. More than anything, you get a front-row seat to how a brilliant mind in the 1100s thought about holiness, friendship, and leadership.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want a primary source that doesn’t feel like homework, or for anyone interested in the messy, human side of religious history. It’s not a long book, but it’s packed with personality—both Malachy’s and Bernard’s. If you enjoy biographies of compelling leaders or stories of unlikely friendships that shape history, you’ll find this surprisingly engaging.