The Rule of St Benedict has for centuries been one of the foundational spiritual documents of the western Church, and one of the classics of western literature. It is presented here in a timeless translation.

Fr Columba's chapter-by-chapter commentary draws on a long lifetime of living and teaching the Rule, on his mission experience and on his work with the growing Oblate movement.

The Rule is liad out with the dates on which it is read in monasteries clearly displayed, to enable those who wish to do so to 'follow St Benedict' through the year in the traditional manner. A column of scripture references also points to the biblical passages that were St Benedict's own constant inspiration.