Saint Francis of Assisi: A Biography

by Ivan Gobry

He has inspired countless films, paintings, poems and novels. But who was Francesco Bernadone, now known as Saint Francis of Assisi? Despite the wealth of writing on the life of this great saint, many still don't know the man. They know the a Francis made palatable to modern sensibilities--the happy friar who carols to the birds and writes poems to the sun and moon. This is the image of the saint that is usually presented, even though it fails to encompass the true personality of Francis.Ivan Gobry, Ph.D., takes on the task of revealing the real man, the man who abandoned wealth and chose to live a beggar's life. Saint Francis lived a life that was full of danger and adventure, ministering to lepers and even traveling to Egypt in an attempt to convert the Muslims. Disciples flocked to him, drawn by the radical challenge of living the Gospel in a world that had become attracted to decadence. Francis rejoiced in nature and animals, but also fought spiritual battles against temptation and vice. Dr. Gobry restores a profoundly human dimension to the Little Poor Man of a far cry from the image that has become conventional.

Genres: Biography

343 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2000

Reviews

[benjamin uhlenkott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well done introduction to the life of St. Francis as the book gives an appropriate amount of information that the reader will want to know more (about St Francis, his order and/or the period in which he lived) and offers many sources for further reading. I was pleasantly surprised what all I learned about the Saint, his order and the time in which he lived.

[A. Stampfli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book! I really learned a lot about St. Francis in this book.

[Fr. Jeffrey Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the life of St. Francis, drawing copiously from original sources. Probably the best first pass, which provides helpful context for a deeper study of his life. Well organized. Comprehensive. Of appropriate length.