The story of the Martyrs of Castelfidardo is one of faith, heroism, and sacrifice. During the 1860s, the Papal States were under attack by a revolutionary movement to unite Italy under the banner of anti-clericalism. This attack was pushed by Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia-Piedmont and Italian secret societies.

On September 11th, 1860 the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont invaded the Papal States, hellbent on seizing the patrimony of St. Peter, which stood for over 1000 years. The largest battle fought in defense of the Church during this war was at the Battle of Castelfidardo on September 18th, 1860.

The compilation of stores in this book are about the soldiers who were martyred while answering the call to defend Bl. Pope Pius IX and the Holy See from the enemies of the Church. Written using letters and accounts from witnesses, the book was originally published in French by Anatole-Henri-Philippe, Marquis de Ségur in 1861, and in English in 1883.

The editor has combined, for the first time, illustrations from the French version with the English translation.