St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, is a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. His life and teachings continue to inspire many people around the world. If you're looking to learn more about St. Francis and his contributions, there are many books available that explore his life, spirituality, and legacy. In this article, we'll review some of the best St. Francis of Assisi books that you can download and read today.
1. "The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi" by Ugolino di Conti
"The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi" is a collection of stories and legends about St. Francis and his followers. It was written by Ugolino di Conti in the 14th century and has since become a classic of Christian literature. The book is divided into 53 chapters that cover various aspects of St. Francis' life, including his miracles, his conversations with animals, and his interactions with his fellow friars.
The stories in "The Little Flowers" are often humorous and charming, but they also offer insights into St. Francis' spiritual beliefs and his vision for a simpler, more compassionate world. Whether you're a devout Christian or simply interested in the life of this remarkable man, "The Little Flowers" is a must-read book.
Book Details:
| Title | The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi |
| Author | Ugolino di Conti |
| Publication Date | 14th Century |
| Pages | 224 |
2. "Francis of Assisi: A New Biography" by Augustine Thompson
If you're looking for a more scholarly exploration of St. Francis' life, "Francis of Assisi: A New Biography" by Augustine Thompson is an excellent choice. Thompson, a professor of history at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, draws on the latest research to provide a comprehensive and engaging account of St. Francis' life.
Thompson's biography covers all the major events in St. Francis' life, from his youth in Assisi to his conversion, his founding of the Franciscan order, and his later years. Along the way, Thompson explores St. Francis' spiritual beliefs, his relationship with the church, and his impact on the world.
Book Details:
| Title | Francis of Assisi: A New Biography |
| Author | Augustine Thompson |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Pages | 320 |
3. "The Journey and the Dream: A History of the American Catholic Church" by Bill Leonard
While not strictly a book about St. Francis of Assisi, "The Journey and the Dream" by Bill Leonard offers a fascinating look at the impact of St. Francis' teachings on the American Catholic Church. Leonard, a professor of religion at Wake Forest University, traces the history of Catholicism in America from its early days to the present.
Throughout the book, Leonard explores the influence of St. Francis and other spiritual leaders on the American Catholic Church, as well as the challenges and controversies that have shaped the church's history. If you're interested in the broader context of St. Francis' legacy, "The Journey and the Dream" is a must-read.
Book Details:
| Title | The Journey and the Dream: A History of the American Catholic Church |
| Author | Bill Leonard |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Pages | 400 |
4. "The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi" translated by Kajetan Esser
If you want to go straight to the source, "The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi" is the book for you. This collection of St. Francis' own writings, translated by Kajetan Esser, offers a firsthand look at his spirituality and teachings.
The book includes St. Francis' famous "Canticle of the Sun," as well as his letters to his fellow friars and other important documents. Reading St. Francis' own words can be a transformative experience, and this book is essential for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of his life and legacy.
Book Details:
| Title | The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi |
| Author | St. Francis of Assisi |
| Publication Date | 13th Century |
| Pages | 192 |
5. "St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography" by Omer Englebert
Finally, "St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography" by Omer Englebert is another excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive overview of St. Francis' life. Originally published in French in 1951, this book has been translated into many languages and remains a popular choice for readers around the world.
Englebert's biography covers all the major events in St. Francis' life, as well as his spiritual beliefs and his impact on the world. The book is well-researched and engagingly written, making it a great choice for both casual readers and serious scholars.
Book Details:
| Title | St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography |
| Author | Omer Englebert |
| Publication Date | 1951 |
| Pages | 416 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I download these books for free?
- Do I need to be Catholic to appreciate these books?
- Which book should I read first?
- Are there any other books about St. Francis that you would recommend?
Yes, all of these books are available for free download online.
No, these books are accessible to readers of all faiths and backgrounds.
We recommend starting with "The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi," as it offers a charming introduction to St. Francis' life and teachings.
Yes, there are many other great books about St. Francis out there. Some other popular choices include "St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography" by Johannes Jørgensen and "The Franciscan Tradition" by Regis J. Armstrong.
Conclusion
Whether you're a devout Catholic or simply interested in the life of this remarkable man, there's no better way to learn about St. Francis of Assisi than by reading some of the many books available about him. From classic works like "The Little Flowers" to more modern biographies, there's something for everyone in this list. So why not download one of these books today and discover the inspiring story of St. Francis for yourself?
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This article is written by OpenAI's GPT-3 language model and reviewed by a human editor.
