Laurentius von Brindisi is a concise biography of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, one of the most interesting saints you've never heard of. Born in Brindisi on the tip of the heel of the Italian boot, he later travelled to Venice to stay with an uncle, where he discovered and later joined the Capuchin Order. Imbibed with this Franciscan theology, he travelled around Italy and Central Europe, growing his order, fighting heretics, and even leading armies into battle against the Turks. The most amazing thing was that he did most of this while following his order's edict against travelling any way except by foot. The Counter Reformation resulted in a flowering of interesting personalities, and St. Lawrence, whose writings later led to his being named a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in the 20th century, was at the heart of things. Kuster's writing makes of this accessible in a very readable way. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in St. Lawrence or the Counter Reformation who can read German. ( )