Ragman: And Other Cries of Faith

The expanded Twentieth Anniversary edition of stories, parables, and prayers from the National Book Award-winning author of The Book of the Dun Cow.

Updated with eleven new stories and meditations, this Gold Medallion-winning classic interweaves vivid stories, deep meditations, and provocative allegories that together explore the power and meaning of love within an often inhumane urban landscape. The opening chapter, “Ragman,” remains one of Walter Wangerin Jr.’s most beloved works and leads the reader to thirty-three other writings, all bearing the author’s trademark poignancy and lyricism. Ranging from gentle reflections to heartrending invocations, these selections are powerful, thought-provoking explorations of the meaning of faith, the person of Christ, and the communion of believers. Again and again, Wangerin’s cries of faith touch our deepest pains with rays of joyful healing.

“This diverse, polished collection . . . attests not only to Wangerin’s skill as a writer, but to the earnestness and warmth with which he enacts his vocation as a ‘servant of faith.’” —Christianity Today

“This is a book of stories, stories of all sorts—of fear and pride and death and pain and forgiveness and laughter and tears and hope and many shades of glory.” —Robert McAfee Brown, author of Unexpected News