Alphonsus Liguori was born in Naples, Italy, in 1696. Though renowned as a doctor of both canon and civil law, he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood. Subsequently he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (The Redemptorists). To foster the Christian life, he applied himself to preaching among the people and writing books on moral theology, of which he is considered a master. He was chosen bishop of Sant’ Agata dei Goti but soon resigned his office to work with his confreres at Nocera dei Pagani in Campagna. Saint Alphonsus died in 1787. He was canonized in 1893, proclaimed doctor of the Church in 1871, and patron of confessors and moral theologians in 1950.
For a simple popular biography of St. Alphonsus, try Never Stop Walking: The Life and Spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori, by Nancy Fearon, IHM.
For a well-written scholarly biography of St. Alphonsus, try Alphonsus de Liguori: Saint of Bourbon Naples, by Frederick M. Jones, C.Ss.R.
For an example of the saint’s devotional writing, check out his Visits to the Blessed Sacrament. A particularly well done edition with commentary is available here.
For a bit of St. Alphonsus’ musical output, see Luciano Pavarotti singing St. Alphonsus’ Christmas hymn “Tu Scende Dalle Stelle.”
For free electronic versions of many of St. Alphonsus’ writings, follow these links:
Preparation for Death
The Way of Salvation and Perfection
The Great Means of Salvation and Perfection: Prayer, Mental Prayer, the Exercises of a Retreat, etc…
The Incarnation, Birth, and Infancy of Jesus Christ
The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ
The Holy Eucharist
The Glories of Mary
Victories of the Martyrs
The True Spouse of Jesus Christ
The Dignity and Duties of the Priest
The Holy Mass
The Divine Office
Preaching
Abridged Sermons for All Sundays of the Year
Miscellany
Letters of St. Alphonsus Liguori