The main sources of information on the life of St. Joseph are contained in the first chapters of the first and third gospels. They are practically the only reliable sources we have of St. Joseph. From them, we know that he was a carpenter and a working man, for the skeptical Nazarenes say about Jesus, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55). Also, we know he was not wealthy because when he took Jesus to the Temple in order to be circumcised, he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, which was permitted only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24).

Despite his humble status, Joseph came from a royal lineage. For, the angel who first tells Joseph about Jesus greets him as "son of David". This royal title is used also for Jesus. 

We know Joseph was a compassionate, caring man. For, when he discovered Mary was pregnant after they had been betrothed, knowing that a woman accused of adultery could be stoned to death, he decided to send her away quietly, so as not to expose her to shame or cruelty.

The full details about Joseph's life and his role in Jesus' life are expounded upon in this novel by Edward Healy Thompson (1813 - 1891), an English Roman Catholic writer. The book is a classic gem, helping the listener grow closer to this important saint and patron of the universal church.