"The Life of Saint Anthony the Great" is the principal ascetic work of Saint Athanasius the Great. It was likely written in 357, a year after the death of Saint Anthony, in response to a request from Western monks who wished to learn more about Anthony, the "teacher of the desert." The form and content of the work, along with Anthony's reputation which had already reached Rome, Spain, France, and elsewhere, contributed to the introduction and broader dissemination of Monasticism in the West.
Saint Athanasius gracefully and vividly describes Anthony's birth and childhood, the distribution of his wealth to the poor, his initial spiritual exercises, his retreat to the desert, his temptations, the founding of monasteries, and the miraculous interventions of the Saint. Following an extensive speech to monks (on various spiritual topics), he discusses the ascetic life of the desert, Anthony's support for persecuted Christians, his character, includes discussions with pagan philosophers, correspondence with the emperor, various visions, etc., and details his blessed end.

The Life of Saint Anthony the Great has been and continues to be an attractive and instructive read. Therefore, it has been translated and is available in many modern European languages.