“This is a winner. It will have a great many readers and will dominate the field of Saint Francis studies for years to come.”—William Chester Jordan, Princeton University
~William Chester Jordan
“For thirty years, we have been waiting for a new scholarly biography of Francis of Assisi. André Vauchez offers us that and so much more. Not only does he give us a thorough assessment of Francis in his historical context; he also offers us an intimate understanding of his spiritual experience.”—Jacques Dalarun, Institut de Recherches et d'Histoire des Textes, Paris
~Jacques Dalarun
“The leading historian of later-medieval sainthood has here incorporated much recent Italian research in this mature appreciation of the life, cult, and varied interpretations of the era’s most engaging saintly protagonist.”—Lester K. Little, Smith College
~Lester Little
"[A] well-informed study… Vauchez writes lucidly and thoughtfully." —Robert E. Lerner, Times Literary Supplement
~Robert E. Lerner, Times Literary Supplement
“This new biography will reinvigorate our appreciation of Francis’ originality and radicalism.”—Martin L. Smith, Washington Independent Review of Books
~Martin L. Smith, Washington Independent Review of Books
“An indispensable document attesting to what can be known of the Poor Man of Assisi, as well as a stirring exemplum of written history.”—Michael Signorelli, Paris Review Daily
~Michael Signorelli, Paris Review Daily
“Comprehensive [and] engaging.”—P. L. Urban Jr., Choice
~P. L. Urban Jr., Choice
“Fascinating”—John L. Murphy, PopMatters
~John L. Murphy, PopMatters
“The single best book about Francis now available in English . . . Vauchez must be given the crown.”—Lawrence S. Cunningham, Commonweal
~Lawrence C. Cunningham, Commonweal
“Full of nuance and engaging detail, providing insight into [an] enduring legacy”—Iris McLister, Santa Fe New Mexican
~Iris McLister, Santa Fe New Mexican