St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most influential figures in Christian history.

Born in central Italy in the late twelfth century his spent his early life as a medieval night, dreaming of military glory.

Yet, military failure and subsequent illness, forced Francis to reassess his life and during his convalescence in Assisi he heard Christ speak to him.

Little more encouragement was needed for Francis to renounce all his worldly wealth and possessions and devote himself to God.

Within a few years he had built up a small following of ascetic monks who wandered through Italy preaching the word of God, and in due course this group gained the Church’s approval to become the Order of Franciscans.

The influence and legacy of St. Francis has not diminished in the subsequent centuries, even to the extent that current pope views him as such a role model that he chose his papal name to be Pope Francis when he ascended the Chair of Saint Peter.

Chesterton’s account of life of St. Francis begins with a history of what Italy was like during his life, then uncovers his early life as a military man, before discussing in detail his spiritual awakening and his emergence as a religious figure.

G. K. Chesterton’s remarkable biography of this fascinating man is often considered one of the greatest biographies of St. Francis.

G. K. Chesterton was an English writer, poet, philosopher, dramatist, journalist, orator, lay theologian, biographer, and literary and art critic. His book St. Francis of Assisi was first published in 1923 and he passed away in 1936.

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