"La légende dorée" by Jacobus de Voragine is a collection of 153 hagiographies compiled around 1259 to 1266. This widely read medieval compilation presents the lives of saints and Christian festivals, each chapter exploring a saint's name etymology, biographical narrative, miracles, and source citations. Written in simple Latin, it became one of the most published books of the Middle Ages, surpassing even the Bible in printed editions before 1501. The work serves as an invaluable encyclopedia of saint lore, helping identify saints depicted in medieval art through their legendary deeds and supernatural tales.
Wikipedia page about this book: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Legend Wikipedia page about this book: fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_L%C3%A9gende_dor%C3%A9e