Francis of Assisi in His Own Words: The Essential Writings, Paperback

Reading Francis's writings is like being "on the road" with him 800 years ago.

Biographies will only take you so far. It's impossible to truly understand Francis of Assisi without reading his own words. A scholar and lover of Francis, Sweeney has added six writings to his bestselling compilation, additional texts that we're most certain came from Francis himself. Now, short writings such as "The Form of Life He Wished for Clare," "The Sermon to the Birds," and "The Source of True Joy," combine with Francis's Rules, letters, messages, songs, praises, canticles, and final spiritual Testament in a most ideal introduction to the saint. An expanded introduction and notes add historical and theological context.

About the Author:

Jon M. Sweeney's popular history, The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation, has been optioned by HBO. He is the author of thirty other books including The Complete Francis of Assisi; When Saint Francis Saved the Church, winner of a 2015 award in history; and a new fiction series for children, The Pope's Cat.