Francis: The Saint of Assisi

by Joan Mueller

A modern retelling of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, this book combines historical detail and dramatic style. The author explores the daily lives of Francis and Clare and the lives of thirteenth-century Assisi. The Saint of Assisi reads like both a love story and a biographical account of the life of the most universally acclaimed saint.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Debora J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book such an enjoyable read. Although it's a novel, it was written to be historically accurate with the use of numerous sources. I learned quite a bit about the life of St. Francis, the order he founded and also St. Clare and the work she did. It has motivated me to learn more about the life of St. Francis and to read more of his writings.

[Ben Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic tale of the most beloved saint.

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a novel, but it is based on extensive historical research and so is very informative as well as interesting because it includes details that are possible only in a novel. The author is a Franciscan scholar and an associate professor of theology and Christian spirituality at Creighton University.

I don't know about the historical accuracy of the following words Mueller puts in Francis' mouth, but they seem to sum up his viewpoint well. At one point Francis says to Bishop Guido of Assisi, "My Lord, if we had possessions, we would also be forced to have arms to protect them. Possessions are the cause of disputes and strife, and in many ways hinder people from loving God and neighbor. We are determined, Bishop Guido, to have no temporal possessions. We want to live in peace" (p. 154).

A Japanese "saint," Nishida Tenko, expressed the same sort of sentiment in these words, "In having nothing lies inexhaustible wealth."

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this biographical novel of the life of St Francis over the years. It has been some time since I read it and find it as instructive as ever. May we all struggle to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as Francis did. Each of us must find our spiritual path during this life as Francis and the Franciscans have.