Franciscan Resources

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Franciscan Institute Publications

Books

St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181 – 3 October 3, 1226)
[listed alphabetically by author’s last name]

NB: please note the descriptions of each book are a combination of the thoughts of those who suggested the book as well as some comments and reviews found online.

Francis: The Journey and the Dream by Murray Bodo, OFM

Written in 1972, Francis: The Journey and the Dream, offers us a unique combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes that inspired hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to contemplate the life of St. Francis in an attempt to see him in a new way.

Surrounded by Love: Seven Teachings from St Francis by Murray Bodo, OFM

This is a good introduction to Franciscan teachings and a pleasant, good read. One of Bodo’s more recent books [2018] this brings to life seven teachings from the life and writings of St. Francis that can define a spirituality for our own time. This simple map for living is why St. Francis is still admired today in our fractious and divided world. What he teaches, if lived, brings joy, which is the result of union with God, who lives with us and within all of creation.

Francis of Assisi: His Life, Vision and Companions by Michael F. Cusato, OFM

This book is an accessible biography of St. Francis. In it, Fr. Michael F. Cusato, OFM explores how Francis and his early brothers embraced a life of poverty in solidarity with the lowest ranks of society, preaching a message of justice and dignity for all. He examines how and why Francis’ vision ultimately expanded to embrace non-Christians and Muslims in particular following Francis’ celebrated encounter with the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in 1219. Cusato also considers the clash between Francis and newer members of his Order, his reception of the stigmata, and his final years defending his vision among his own brothers, all while living as an exemplar of the gospel life.

Francis of Assisi (The Man Who Found Perfect Joy) by Michael De La Bedoyere

This is a readable biography which also explains his teaching. One can meet the man behind the myth. This book takes you beyond the nature-lover of popular myth to the real St. Francis of Assisi, model of holiness and Christian courage. You'll learn the full story behind the famous incidents in Francis' life, including his hugging the leper and his sermon to the birds. St. Francis of Assisi is a superb model for each of us today: an ordinary man who - by God's grace - was able to do extraordinary things.

St Francis of Assisi: A Biography by Omer Englebert

This classic biography is very readable and brings alive St Francis and his spirituality. Englebert puts St. Francis in the context of his historical setting and his spiritual influences. This version has been redesigned for a modern audience who wish to continue to connect to this simple man of Assisi.

Francis of Assisi by Arnaldo Fortini

The scholarship in this book is both notable and engaging. The first few chapters introduce the reader to the techniques used to uncover what life was like in the times of St. Francis and how historians separate fact from fiction. This engaging biography is filled with historical context that makes 13th century Umbria come alive.

Fortini, once a long-time mayor of Assisi, allowed him access to the city’s ancient record so he offers great knowledge of the local history of Assisi as well. The life of St. Francis could be transformative to anyone with a realistic grasp of human nature, but Fortini helps us see Francis' effect on the many people he met.

St. Francis of Assisi by Raoul Manselli

Attempting to grasp the central and inspiring motive of St. Francis’ life and work this book is considered to be one of the pre-eminent biographies of St. Francis of Assisi. Manselli depicts the little man of Assisi struggling to step as faithfully as possible in the footprints of the model, Jesus Christ.

Reluctant Saint by Donald Spoto.

This biography of St. Francis can be a great intro to the life of Francis. It is a pleasant and good read. It strips away the legends from the life of Francis of Assisi to reveal the story of a man who has too often been obscured by pious iconography. Drawing on unprecedented access to unexplored archives, plus Francis's own letters, Spoto places Francis within the context of the multifaceted ecclesiastical, political, and social forces of medieval Italy, casting new light on Francis and showing how his emphasis on charity as the heart of the Gospel's message helped him pioneer a new social movement. This nuanced portrait reveals the multifaceted character of a man who can genuinely be said to have changed the course of history.

St. Clare of Assisi - July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253

Saint Clare: Beyond the Legend by Marco Bartoli

Medieval scholar Marco Bartoli, as translated by Clare scholar Sister Frances Teresa Downing, reconstructs the charismatic personality of St. Clare of Assisi, a great medieval figure whose voice has been heard through the ages. Bartoli explores what has been said about St. Clare and what has not been said, between evidence and interpretation, between silence and memory, using the most important source for knowing St Clare, the Legenda sanctae Clarae virginis (The Legend of Saint Clare the Virgin), written by order of the pope on the occasion of St. Clare's canonization.

Light of Assisi: The Story of Saint Clare by Sr. Margaret Carney OSF

This book will introduce St. Clare of Assisi to those who do not know her and those who wish to know her better. It leads the listener from Clare's birth to her death. While taking account of modern scholarship, Sr. Margaret Carney tells the story of this medieval woman in a way listeners today can understand.

Clare of Assisi: A Heart Full of Love by Sr. Ilia Delio O.S.F.

Although this is a small book on the spirituality of a medieval woman from a glorious past, it is also a book about Christian life today. It explores Clare's deep desire to live the gospel life, more precisely, her desire for all of us to reflect on Christ and his crucifixion in order to see our own strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, our capacity to love. Ilia Delio illustrates how Clare, through her life, her writings, letters, prayer and example, is truly a mystic who helped generations of Catholics clearly see how Christ took on human flesh, not just to suffer and die for us, but to help us all in turn reflect back the face of Christ to the world.

Clare of Assisi by Ingrid Peterson.

This classic biography on St. Clare is a well-researched book and full of information. It can be dense and it is not necessarily an easy read, but it is worth it. It includes direct testimony from the people who actually lived with her. If can start out a little slow for some but stick with it. It provides wonderful insights into the historical times, women’s issues and her life.