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The Life of St. Francis
Bonaventure (1221-1274), an Italian theologian and monk, is widely considered the greatest Franciscan mystic after St. Francis himself. Commissioned by the Franciscan Order, Bonaventure wrote this official biography of St. Francis of Assisi in 1260 -- his riveting account is simple yet inspiring, and essential reading for those looking to understand the remarkable life and spirituality of this revered saint.
165 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1263
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About the author
Bonaventure
452 books79 followersBonaventure (b. 1221 as John of Fidanza) was an Italian medieval scholastic theologian and philosopher, the eighth Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. He was a Cardinal Bishop of Albano. He was canonized on 14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the Church in the year 1588 by Pope Sixtus V. He is known as the "Seraphic Doctor" (Latin: "Doctor Seraphicus"). Many writings believed in the Middle Ages to be his are now collected under the name Pseudo-Bonaventura.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 30, 2013
A book about a saint written by another saint. How can I dislike this book?
I have always been fascinated by St. Francis of Assisi. Well, prior to this book, the little that I knew about him are due to his images in the Church like the one feeding pigeons and the beautiful song "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi" that pleads about making oneself an instrument of Thy peace. So, when I saw this book at Totus Bookstore, I bought this book over the others that talk about more serious subjects such as heaven, hell, demonic possessions, Magisterium, etc. I thought I wanted to read something light first and St. Francis with his fondness on animals like feeding the pigeons should be something light.
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. Filipinos should take note that not all friars are like Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi in Dr. Jose Rizal's masterpieces but propaganda novels: Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) (5 stars) and El Filibusterismo (5 stars). Here is a great powerful servant of our Lord, St. Francis of Assisi who according to Saint Bonaventure (1217-1274) performed so many miracles both when St. Francis was still alive and even when he was already dead. Take note that St. Bonaventure, also an Italian, was nine years old when St. Francis died. They both belong to Order of Friars Minor. I don't know anything more about St. Bonaventure except those that I briefly browsed in the Wikipedia but he seemed to have spent more time on writing and pushing for his philosophy (there are three ways to go to God). On the other hand, St. Francis of Assisi spent more time preaching after making himself as poor as possible to do his missionary works. Like my other favorite saint, Saint Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi was born with silver spoon but he renounced his parents' riches and followed the footsteps of Christ.
Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history and this book proves that he deserved all our veneration. He lived a life that nobody could match especially in this time and age when more and more people are turning materialistic, insensitive to the flights of the poor and greedy.
I have always been fascinated by St. Francis of Assisi. Well, prior to this book, the little that I knew about him are due to his images in the Church like the one feeding pigeons and the beautiful song "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi" that pleads about making oneself an instrument of Thy peace. So, when I saw this book at Totus Bookstore, I bought this book over the others that talk about more serious subjects such as heaven, hell, demonic possessions, Magisterium, etc. I thought I wanted to read something light first and St. Francis with his fondness on animals like feeding the pigeons should be something light.
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. Filipinos should take note that not all friars are like Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi in Dr. Jose Rizal's masterpieces but propaganda novels: Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) (5 stars) and El Filibusterismo (5 stars). Here is a great powerful servant of our Lord, St. Francis of Assisi who according to Saint Bonaventure (1217-1274) performed so many miracles both when St. Francis was still alive and even when he was already dead. Take note that St. Bonaventure, also an Italian, was nine years old when St. Francis died. They both belong to Order of Friars Minor. I don't know anything more about St. Bonaventure except those that I briefly browsed in the Wikipedia but he seemed to have spent more time on writing and pushing for his philosophy (there are three ways to go to God). On the other hand, St. Francis of Assisi spent more time preaching after making himself as poor as possible to do his missionary works. Like my other favorite saint, Saint Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi was born with silver spoon but he renounced his parents' riches and followed the footsteps of Christ.
Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history and this book proves that he deserved all our veneration. He lived a life that nobody could match especially in this time and age when more and more people are turning materialistic, insensitive to the flights of the poor and greedy.
March 28, 2016
Incredible work! How ironic though that Francis, who celebrated radical poverty and despised recognition was buried in a basilica built in his honor and was canonized in a lavish ceremony. The irony is clearly lost on Bonaventure who not only was a scholastic (Francis was suspicious of the universities) but a cardinal as well. Francis clearly forbade the brothers from becoming cardinals. Maybe Francis' rule is impossible to follow. Maybe we must place glosses on the Sermon on the Mount, but Francis' life challenges all of us to live the Gospel instead of merely preaching it. To be generous toward all. He was a reformer who through his life exposed the wealth and corruption in the medieval Church. I am glad Pope Francis took his name. He has certainly already ruffled a few feathers. May this continue...
March 26, 2024
Ce personnage m'a toujours fasciné. Quand j'étais môme, très môme, je rêvais de l'imiter, et je lisais tout ce que mes fouilles me livraient de lui, en fait peu de choses. Athée aujourd'hui, je reste admiratif devant cette magnifique personne. (Re)lire son histoire, écrite par un autre saint, m'a de nouveau ému. Ma non foi n'en est pas ébranlée mais cet homme provoque toujours mon admiration, et l'écriture est plaisante, dans son style.
October 19, 2022
The biography of a saint written by a saint, it doesn't easily get more glorious than that. Every page is filled with a vivacious spirit of Divine Charity, the Seraphic Doctor St. Bonaventure in this short volume reflects on the interior conversion of the Seraphic Father St. Francis, and how he, burning with love for God and for his neighbours, gave up literally everything and endured sufferings that surpass any human comprehension; nay, rather he embraced it gladly, and, full of this supernatural joy, gave thanks to the One Who giveth and taketh away. No one who has read the life account of this illustrious Patriarch, the model of Evangelical Perfection, will remain complacent and not be ashamed of how little in comparison he has loved Christ - both by heart and by deeds.
May 19, 2023
A wandering ascetic who preaches to birds sounds like my kind of party. You come for the wildness, but leave enriched by the life of one of Christianity’s most cherished saints.
While, strictly speaking, a hagiography and thus falling prey to all those boring questions of reliability and historicity, the parables out of Francis’ life embody a Christian faith our world desperately needs.
While, strictly speaking, a hagiography and thus falling prey to all those boring questions of reliability and historicity, the parables out of Francis’ life embody a Christian faith our world desperately needs.
August 7, 2021
An absolutely incredibly written account of the life and afterlife of an incredible saint, written by another incredible saint! This was amazing and mind blowing! Praise be to God almighty and to the miraculous works He has wrought through all his saints! I feel so privileged to get to read about Saint Francis.
April 29, 2024
The writing of this was a little complex with some pretty old English being used….I did learn a lot about Saint Francis though! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for me!
March 20, 2017
A book written by a saint about a saint that he knew personally. Such an interesting read.
May 20, 2024
A story is told in this book of Francis' friars waking up to see a fiery chariot descending from the heavens and entering their room. The thing spun round and round the room, half terrifying the poor souls until it dawned on them that it was the spirit of St. Francis. That's a fitting description of the man. He was an event that upended Europe and the Church in a most unexpected way.
I loved this book. As much as I like Chesterton, I couldn't find Francis in Chesterton's book because Chesterton himself was too much in the way. St. Bonaventure manages to stay quietly in the background, but his love of St. Francis (a contemporary) is clear. The terrifying aspect of St. Francis might impress itself upon the reader. We are not all called to be fiery chariots going hither and thither. Perhaps nobody knew that better than St. Francis himself. Nowhere does he hold his miracles up as a standard for his followers, and none of his followers resemble him in personality (see St. Bonaventure himself). St. Bonaventure added a beautiful passage comparing St. Francis' life to Jacob's Ladder: he ascended to God in prayer and returned to men to carry that love back down to Earth. All he asks of us is that we love God and serve our neighbor who is in His image.
Perhaps if we did that better, we would be fiery chariots.
I loved this book. As much as I like Chesterton, I couldn't find Francis in Chesterton's book because Chesterton himself was too much in the way. St. Bonaventure manages to stay quietly in the background, but his love of St. Francis (a contemporary) is clear. The terrifying aspect of St. Francis might impress itself upon the reader. We are not all called to be fiery chariots going hither and thither. Perhaps nobody knew that better than St. Francis himself. Nowhere does he hold his miracles up as a standard for his followers, and none of his followers resemble him in personality (see St. Bonaventure himself). St. Bonaventure added a beautiful passage comparing St. Francis' life to Jacob's Ladder: he ascended to God in prayer and returned to men to carry that love back down to Earth. All he asks of us is that we love God and serve our neighbor who is in His image.
Perhaps if we did that better, we would be fiery chariots.
April 24, 2022
I read the TAN version of this. A fantastic account of the life of Saint Francis, my only critique would be some areas felt slightly repetitive. It is pretty amazing to consider a saint wrote this about the life of a saint though.
February 22, 2024
This book reads like one of the “Most Interesting Man in the World” Dos Equis commercials. It’s a 165-page highlight reel of wild stories. St. Francis - or “Brother Ass,” as he referred to himself - challenged my pride, my view of the Lord, and my understanding of poverty.
June 12, 2015
For a biography written almost 800 years ago this book reads like it was written just yesterday. This translation of the life of St Francis is wonderful. The best biography of the great saint that I have written. The awe Bonaventure had for this man was incredible and the reader gets to feel that awe too. As I continue the learn about this man and his purpose in life I to wish to have that same purpose. In the exploration of Bonaventure's biography not only do we learn of St Fancis life but also how we can imitate that life. Many will read this with doubt and question the reality of these stories but we must always think therewith God all things are possible.
November 2, 2020
Asketisk fuldkommenhed
“Derfor tillod han ikke sig selv kogt mad, når han var rask, og hvis han spiste den, strøede han aske på, eller gjorde maden fad ved at blande vand i”
Beundringsværdig mand. Hovedrig i fattigdom og ophøjet i ydmyghed. Smuk og meditativ levnedsskildring af Den Hellige Frans af Assisis imponerende livsførelse.
“Derfor tillod han ikke sig selv kogt mad, når han var rask, og hvis han spiste den, strøede han aske på, eller gjorde maden fad ved at blande vand i”
Beundringsværdig mand. Hovedrig i fattigdom og ophøjet i ydmyghed. Smuk og meditativ levnedsskildring af Den Hellige Frans af Assisis imponerende livsførelse.
July 7, 2009
Happy are they who will persevere in what they have begun.
-Last words of St. Francis of Assisi
-Last words of St. Francis of Assisi
September 16, 2024
St. Bonaventure in his desire and belief of a person debt owes a lot to St. Francis. His biography of the person who founded his religious order, the Order of Friars Minor, is at the upmost importance as nothing of him to this extent after his passing has been written. As a biography, we are at the mercy and confidence of the pen wielder. St. Bonaventure comforts his audience that he has collected the surviving members of his first groups and their disciples to re-tell the story of the great saint. That this is the most authentic work we currently have to really understanding who was St. Francis.
Far from being the hippie-loving portrayed saint, there are various episodes within the book that gives a reality check. He prophesied the tactical failure of a crusading army if they did not heed to his command, he desired martyrdom at the hands of the Muslims and attempted to convert an Egyptian Sultan through dialogue alone, he had warned of disasters and death to those who did not give up illicit lifestyles. His love is very much great and he gives praise, the highest thanks he can to God and His creation. He was said to be endowed with supernatural wisdom, a man who can read but was not well-read. He appeared to the Pope in an audience, submitting to the Pontiffs decision on whether or not his idea of a friar preacher would prevail, and it very much did.
The importance of Assisi grew of course during and mostly after his death. This mystic of his time was sought out for and became well known in his late life as it was written that so many people from the west became friars that they did not have enough friaries to contain them all. His orthodoxy is attested to, his zeal for the love of God is confirmed and the various stories of both his appreciation but also his discipline and mercy. This biography by his faithful, St. Bonaventure, is what I agree with to be the closest thing we have to knowing the interior life of St. Francis and his exterior actions.
Far from being the hippie-loving portrayed saint, there are various episodes within the book that gives a reality check. He prophesied the tactical failure of a crusading army if they did not heed to his command, he desired martyrdom at the hands of the Muslims and attempted to convert an Egyptian Sultan through dialogue alone, he had warned of disasters and death to those who did not give up illicit lifestyles. His love is very much great and he gives praise, the highest thanks he can to God and His creation. He was said to be endowed with supernatural wisdom, a man who can read but was not well-read. He appeared to the Pope in an audience, submitting to the Pontiffs decision on whether or not his idea of a friar preacher would prevail, and it very much did.
The importance of Assisi grew of course during and mostly after his death. This mystic of his time was sought out for and became well known in his late life as it was written that so many people from the west became friars that they did not have enough friaries to contain them all. His orthodoxy is attested to, his zeal for the love of God is confirmed and the various stories of both his appreciation but also his discipline and mercy. This biography by his faithful, St. Bonaventure, is what I agree with to be the closest thing we have to knowing the interior life of St. Francis and his exterior actions.
November 14, 2025
Note: This review is for the book itself—not a judgment of St. Francis. Only God can truly review a saint.
The story of St. Francis is truly beautiful—especially his kindness toward animals, calling them friends and speaking to them with love. It was moving to read about his deep devotion to Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Cross.
His connection with birds and other creatures, and how they listened to him, felt like a glimpse of heaven on earth. Learning how he transformed his life, became a friar, and founded his ministry—the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans—was inspiring.
The miracles of St. Francis, as written by St. Bonaventure, were especially touching. St. Bonaventure himself was helped by St. Francis during a time of need, which led him to write this life story.
I’ve personally asked for St. Francis’s intercession, and I can say that through his help, I came through a difficult time of testing and trouble.
It took me a while to finish this book since it’s nonfiction, but even though it’s short, it helped me grow closer to God and Jesus. I hope to follow in St. Francis’s footsteps one day.
The book can feel slow at times, and the way some miracles are written might seem doubtful—not that I doubt them, but they weren’t written like a story or fiction. This was my first book about a saint. I’ve also done a few devotions and asked for St. Francis’s intercession. His chaplet is truly wonderful.
The story of St. Francis is truly beautiful—especially his kindness toward animals, calling them friends and speaking to them with love. It was moving to read about his deep devotion to Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Cross.
His connection with birds and other creatures, and how they listened to him, felt like a glimpse of heaven on earth. Learning how he transformed his life, became a friar, and founded his ministry—the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans—was inspiring.
The miracles of St. Francis, as written by St. Bonaventure, were especially touching. St. Bonaventure himself was helped by St. Francis during a time of need, which led him to write this life story.
I’ve personally asked for St. Francis’s intercession, and I can say that through his help, I came through a difficult time of testing and trouble.
It took me a while to finish this book since it’s nonfiction, but even though it’s short, it helped me grow closer to God and Jesus. I hope to follow in St. Francis’s footsteps one day.
The book can feel slow at times, and the way some miracles are written might seem doubtful—not that I doubt them, but they weren’t written like a story or fiction. This was my first book about a saint. I’ve also done a few devotions and asked for St. Francis’s intercession. His chaplet is truly wonderful.
October 21, 2021
Though I find both Poverty and Prosperity Gospels abhorrent, I know that among those who believe in either of these there are followers of Christ.
While I disagree completely with the idea that as Christians we should live in poverty, as Francis of Assisi believed, and lived as such, I find the life of Francis of Assisi inspiring. He truly loved Christ with all he had, and his fellow men as himself. His devotion and obedience to Christ are remarkable.
Anyone who preaches Christ crucified and resurrected, being both God and man at the same time, urges people to follow their Master with all their devotion and obedience, and who urges the Brethren to live upright lives and to love their fellow men as themselves, especially their own enemies, is worth listening to.
Unfortunately, I had to give the book a three-star rating because the writing was not compelling. Sometimes I had to push myself in order to read more.
While I disagree completely with the idea that as Christians we should live in poverty, as Francis of Assisi believed, and lived as such, I find the life of Francis of Assisi inspiring. He truly loved Christ with all he had, and his fellow men as himself. His devotion and obedience to Christ are remarkable.
Anyone who preaches Christ crucified and resurrected, being both God and man at the same time, urges people to follow their Master with all their devotion and obedience, and who urges the Brethren to live upright lives and to love their fellow men as themselves, especially their own enemies, is worth listening to.
Unfortunately, I had to give the book a three-star rating because the writing was not compelling. Sometimes I had to push myself in order to read more.
November 9, 2024
Un grande esempio di tipica agiografia medievale, che, unendo la vita reale del Santo a passi più criptici, come la visione di un carro infuocato che TRE volte gira per una stanza trainato da una sfera illuminata (Dio), la cacciata di un demone che per TRE volte nomina Francesco (il quale chiede al frate che ha visto la scena di non parlarne finché sarà in vita), la moltiplicazione dei viveri sulla barca o la trasformazione dell'acqua in vino, fornisce un testo importante per la ricostruzione storica del personaggio e la formulazione di un oggetto votivo per la teologia.
Oltre a fornire importanti testimonianze storiche, è bene ricordare l'importanza che ha avuto nell'arte, a partire dal fatto che è stato scelto come base per i dipinti di Giotto nella Chiesa di San Francesco sul Colle Subasio.
Oltre a fornire importanti testimonianze storiche, è bene ricordare l'importanza che ha avuto nell'arte, a partire dal fatto che è stato scelto come base per i dipinti di Giotto nella Chiesa di San Francesco sul Colle Subasio.
April 8, 2024
Pretty fascinating book since it was written so soon after Francis's death. So you get a real picture of how his contemporaries felt about him, at least the super fans. And I can see why. He was obviously a man of great discipline and dedication.
Parts of the story are really beyond belief. But it feels so arrogantly 21st century western to even say that. It's interesting, the book felt like kind of a devotional. But I struggled with figuring out how listening to this story should affect my life. I can't very well join a monetary or take a vow of poverty. Then one evening as I was facing one of life's tough situations, I found myself being inspired by Francis to do hard things. So there you go.
Parts of the story are really beyond belief. But it feels so arrogantly 21st century western to even say that. It's interesting, the book felt like kind of a devotional. But I struggled with figuring out how listening to this story should affect my life. I can't very well join a monetary or take a vow of poverty. Then one evening as I was facing one of life's tough situations, I found myself being inspired by Francis to do hard things. So there you go.
January 24, 2018
As I continue on my journey to learn more about the Franciscans, and St. Francis in particular, I was so happy to come across this book by St. Bonaventure. This is the life of Francis, written by another holy man who came just after him. It is written in a beautiful and spiritual way. Bonaventure allows us to see what made Francis so special, and how his order came to have such an impact on the Church. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the Franciscans, and especially the holy man, St. Francis of Assisi. I would read a chapter at a time, (they are not very long), and then ponder the words and meaning of each phase of his life. A beautiful book.
March 19, 2023
A biography of Saint Francis of Assisi written in Latin on commission from the Order of Friars Minor in 1263 .
The work, which is preceded by a prologue, is structured in fifteen chapters which narrate the life and death of the saint, followed by the narration of post-mortem miracles divided into ten sections.
However, the facts narrated by the author are not entirely original, but derive from a reworking made on the material taken from the Lives of Thomas of Celano, with some additions from the Life of Giuliano di Spira and the Legend of the Three Companions, even if their structure is new and many of the oral and written testimonies have never been used by Thomas.
The work, which is preceded by a prologue, is structured in fifteen chapters which narrate the life and death of the saint, followed by the narration of post-mortem miracles divided into ten sections.
However, the facts narrated by the author are not entirely original, but derive from a reworking made on the material taken from the Lives of Thomas of Celano, with some additions from the Life of Giuliano di Spira and the Legend of the Three Companions, even if their structure is new and many of the oral and written testimonies have never been used by Thomas.
October 17, 2025
This is a pretty wild story that sheds light on the legacy of St. Francis, whose name is thrown around often in the modern day without context. In the end, I interpret his life and legacy as an antithesis to the growing abundance of the early Holy Roman Empire, stemming from the beginning of successful conquest in Muslim territories and the existing proliferation of Christianity into pagan areas. The glorification of poverty and austerity is a return to the roots of Christianity that were lost during the fragmented post-Roman, pre-Carolingian era. Otherwise, Bonaventure's extreme detail and wide knowledge were striking.
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June 21, 2021This was hard to wrestle with as a modern, Western Christian. I believe God performs miracles through his people but many miracle stories from the life of Francis are just too far out there for me.
Admirable things about Francis:
-his simple faith
-his devotion
-his intimacy with God
-his compassion for the lowly
Weaknesses of Francis:
-too low a view of the body
-his excessive asceticism
-inability to navigate the nuances of Scripture (ex: wealth)
Admirable things about Francis:
-his simple faith
-his devotion
-his intimacy with God
-his compassion for the lowly
Weaknesses of Francis:
-too low a view of the body
-his excessive asceticism
-inability to navigate the nuances of Scripture (ex: wealth)
October 17, 2024
This is a great biography—incredibly inspirational and it gave me a greater love for a great saint. I only wish it dealt more with his early secular life. However, I did expect a more polished version of his life, and was surprised to see certain aspects that were not so—for example, Francis misunderstanding God’s commands to rebuild His Church, or referring to himself as Brother Ass.
St. Francis, pray for us!
St. Francis, pray for us!
March 31, 2025
I’m glad I decided to read this - it was nice!
This biography was much more educational and informative than the one by Chesterton I read a couple months ago.
This one was organized a bit better, and the writing style was more “down to earth” or “layman’s version”.
I’ll be on the lookout for more of St Bonaventure’s works!
This biography was much more educational and informative than the one by Chesterton I read a couple months ago.
This one was organized a bit better, and the writing style was more “down to earth” or “layman’s version”.
I’ll be on the lookout for more of St Bonaventure’s works!
February 7, 2021
A thorough overview of the life of St. Francis. Great for the academic as it goes into a deep dive. I wouldn't say it's a "fun" read, but it's a good read if you want to know more about this beloved saint.
August 26, 2024
The Life of St. Frances
I liked this book very much. It was an excellent commentary of St. Francis. The author was very familiar with the Saint and the reader with many many excellent thoughts about St. Francis.
I liked this book very much. It was an excellent commentary of St. Francis. The author was very familiar with the Saint and the reader with many many excellent thoughts about St. Francis.
November 4, 2025
It's always good, as much as possible, to get the story direct. Tartt guides the reader a little on how and why Bonaventure may have held back information or exaggerated in other places but, generally, Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis is the closest we have to a full biography of a blessed saint.
November 5, 2017
Grazie San Francesco, grazie San Bonaventura.
September 9, 2019
Basically a series of vignettes from Francis’ life. Some interesting or inspiring scenes, but I found Francis’ approach to piety to be mostly unsatisfying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews