Francis of Assisi

November 15, 2012

This new biography by Vauchez (professor emeritus, Univ. of Paris X; Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages), a specialist in the religious movements of the Middle Ages, was published in France in 2010, and is now translated for English readers. It's a study of the popular saint that places Francis in the context of the religious movements of his time, with a study of his image and influence up to the 20th century, and a candid examination of the controversies among the followers of Francis that began even before his death. Vauchez's volume complements Augustine Thompson's recent Francis of Assisi: A New Biography. Both begin with a biography based on the verifiable sources. Vauchez then examines the myths, many of which undergird a particular image of Francis, and concludes with a study of Francis's originality. Thompson's work has a detailed study of the sources and the secondary literature. The primary documents both writers have used are available in English in the three-volume Francis of Assisi: Early Documents. VERDICT Admirers of Francis of Assisi (and there are many) will appreciate this solid piece of scholarship which is admiring, but certainly not fawning.--Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2012
Considered one of the great spiritual leaders of humankind, Francis of Assisi was also a man of many faces and personas: ascetic, the founder of a religious order, a romantic hero, a mystic, a defender of the poor, a promoter of peace. But as Vauchez emphasizesand this biography constantly reminds usFrancis was also a flesh-and-blood human being. Although he was a saint after his death, during his actual life he had all the flaws and foibles of any man. Here, Vauchez attempts to rediscover and write about the actual man, not the legend. His life continues to fascinate us many years later because, suggests Vauchez, he was both spiritual master and a model of humanity and wisdom. He discusses the institutionalization of the Franciscan movement, Francis' canonization, and medieval interpretations of his life and works. In addition, he examines his writings, including his best-known work, the lyrical Canticle of Brother Sun, and his attitude toward nature, among other topics. He concludes with a provocative question: Was Francis a prophet for his time or ours? A bracing, erudite account of a mystic's life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)