A compelling biography of Francis for readers of any faith and none. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

House has provided a sizzling tale of adventure and spirituality within the format of a biography of St. Francis. An enormous amount of legend surrounds the few historically certain facts of the saint's life, but the author displays his awareness of the problem. Acknowledging that he is not a historian, House is still able to produce a work that makes creative use of both historical and legendary material while always being conscious of the historical roots. Three things make his work different from others. First, he makes the most of the "almost continuous drama of [Francis's] life without sacrificing accuracy." Second, he effectively sets Francis's life within the social, economic, military, and religious forces of Italy during this time (1182-1226). And third, he shows in detail how the lives of Francis and Saint Clare were interwoven. Beginning with Francis's youth, including his military time, House describes the visions of Francis, his relations with various Popes, and the eventual founding of the Order. His description of events at the end of Francis's life are especially interesting. What results is not a spare presentation of historical facts but a vivid, interesting, and readable extended historical speculation on St. Francis.David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

In this remarkably well-written, well-researched and engaging introduction to the life of St. Francis of Assisi, House illuminates the dramatic life and achievements of an exceptional man of faith. By placing St. Francis in his own time, the everyday life of 13th-century Italy emerges, as do the struggles between popes and emperors. Informed by modern historical scholarship, this biography is not a hagiography. It does not report the miracles that official biographies attribute to St. Francis, yet it does relate some stories that demand a degree of credulity, including his visions, his encounters with birds and animals, and his success in treating leprosy. These the author believes might well be true. Francis's remarkable achievements are as impressive today as they were for his contemporaries and can be appreciated by those of any faith or none. House read medieval and modern history at New College Oxford and was for many years a publisher with William Collins (now Harper-Collins) London. Highly recommended for general readers as well as students and scholars of all levels. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.