Vigil in the Night represents something of an event for fans of A. J. Cronin. Here, published for the first time in book form, is his poignant and moving tale of two nursesof Anne, who devoted herself to serving others, and of her younger sister, Lucy, who meant to get everything in life for herself. When Lucys negligence causes the tragic death of a young patient, Anne takes the blame to protect her young sisteran act that threatens to destroy the brilliant nursing career that lies before her. But then Anne meets an idealistic young surgeon who takes an interest in her, and although one of the oldest and most honored traditions of the medical profession is that the relationship between doctors and nurses remain strictly impersonal, doctors and nurses are, after all, human beingsand sometimes that tradition breaks down.

Scottish novelist A. J. Cronin (1896-1981) was one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century. With his keen understanding of the human condition, his deep moral conscience, and his extraordinary narrative skill, he imbues Vigil in the Night with all the qualities that have made his many other novels worldwide bestsellers. Other bestselling works include The Citadel and Keys of the Kingdom. His novels have sold more than twenty million copies and have been translated into numerous languages.