When the New Mexico territory is annexed by the United States in the mid-1800's, the Catholic Church decides it is time to re-assert its authority in the region which, due to centuries of neglect, is now a haven for corrupt priests. The Vatican chooses Father Jean Marie Latour, a French Jesuit living in Ohio, to accomplish this task and, soon after elevating him to bishop, sends him on his journey into the Wild West.

What follows is an epic, forty year tale of hardship, challenge and triumph as Bishop Latour slowly makes his way to Santa Fe, enduring bitter cold and blistering heat, battles corruption in the new territory and, ultimately, wins the respect of the people of Santa Fe and brings order to the Church in New Mexico.

Hailed as a triumph when it was released in 1927, Willa Cather's 'Death Comes for the Archbishop' has become a beloved literary classic and it is presented here in its original and unabridged format.