St George’s Day has become a popular celebration and topic of debate. But who was St George? How did this Palestinian martyr become England’s patron saint and an icon of English culture? And what is his relevance for today’s secular, multicultural England?

In this richly-illustrated survey, Oxford-trained historian Michael Collins reveals what modern research has discovered about how the legend of St George the dragon-slayer grew up, the fantastic variety of ways the figure of St George appears in English culture, and what St George has to do with English identity.

With a foreword by Professor Emeritus Dan Brown, this highly-readable, thought-provoking celebration of English culture shows how St George can be reinterpreted for our times while remaining true to our English heritage.

English yet international, revered both by Christians and Muslims, St George is a multicultural figure who symbolizes universal values.

Anyone interested in St George will find a wealth of information and stimulating discussion in this book. Journalists, teachers, clergy, tourists and exhibition organizers will find much of value here. Guides to further reading provide ample resources for further study and enjoyment of English heritage.