This inspiring biography explores the life and faith of Saint Francis of Assisi, the thirteenth-century Italian mystic who founded the Franciscan order.Born to a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy, Francis didn''t seem destined for the life of prayer and poverty that he chose. But Francis took the gospel literally and followed all that Jesus said and did without limit. His devotion led to a life filled with miracles and wonders.Bankrolled by his father, and blessed with natural good looks and personality, Francis indulged in worldly pleasure as a young man. He had a ready wit, sang merrily, and delighted in fine clothes and showy display. But serious illness brought Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking ways and led him to a life of prayer and unbridled devotion to Scripture.Francis gave over all his possessions to the poor and embraced a life of simplicity and poverty, transforming him from a self-centered youth to a man living for God and a model of complete obedience. This biography brings his incredible transformation vividly to life.