Francis of Assisi

Michael F. Cusato is a Franciscan friar who is currently Scholar-in-Residence at St Bonaventure University in western New York State. He has published widely on the history of the Franciscan Order in the Middle Ages.

This is a refreshing contribution to the literature on St. Francis of Assisi. Michael F. Cusato brings Francis and his friends to life in an account relying both closely and realistically on the surviving early evidence . . . This attractive telling of his life brings Francis’s companions into the foreground alongside him, and the use of quotation helps to bring the sources into close-up view. The very readable account is also well illustrated, mainly in colour, adding visual sources to the verbal ones. - Dr. G. R. Evans, Church TimesIn his new biography, Michael F. Cusato seeks to lay bare the "real" Francis . . . For those in pursuit of a fresh, brief and (not least) beautifully illustrated account of one of the most inspirational figures in Christian history, this is a thought-provoking and in many ways a richly rewarding book. - Nicholas Vincent, The TabletIts originality consists in approaching the life and charism of Francis within the vision developed by Francis and his earliest friars in order to generate a spirit of both personal (individual) and societal renewal through the values of the gospel. - Olean Times Herald, New YorkWith this volume, Michael F. Cusato has succeeded in showing us once more his passion for the Order’s tradition, spirituality and history, while intertwining historical sources, hagiography and scientific honesty in a smooth writing style. His insights into the development of the early concept of minoritas are indeed a precious re-reading, and his interesting interpretation of early Franciscan writings and sources truly emanates his zeal to “decipher” Francis’s soul and contemplative dynamic. This contribution to discussions on Franciscan theology and spirituality reaffirms the vigor and freshness of Francis’s message in our time, so different yet equally challenging. - Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars MinorRichly researched and enjoyable to read, this biography of St Francis of Assisi is unique in its accentuation of not only the personal religious charism of the Poor Man of Assisi – which gave birth to both the Friars Minor and Poor Clares – but the collective nature of the evangelical project that he developed throughout his lifetime in close association with his earliest companions. This emphasis on the “shared leadership” of Francis, and the excellent knowledge that Michael F. Cusato has of Franciscan sources and recent scholarship in the field, makes the volume a valuable contribution to contemporary interpretations of the Franciscan vision. - André Vauchez, Emeritus Professor of History of the Middle Ages, Université Paris NanterreMichael F. Cusato is the most accomplished historian of the early Minorite Movement working today. In his engaging historical narrative, he brings together the insights garnered from his many years of meticulous research and publications on the origins and development of the Lesser Brothers and Sisters in the context of their appearance in Umbria in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. Francis of Assisi: His Life, Vision and Companions sets the standard for any future work on Francis and Clare and the Minorite movement. - Michael W. Blastic, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San DiegoThis biography of Francis of Assisi presents a comprehensive account of the saint, who revitalized the Church and inspired a new type of religious order. Michael F. Cusato combines current research into the life of the Poor Man of Assisi with his own rich reflections and insights. - Michael J. P. Robson, Emeritus Fellow, St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, and editor of The Cambridge Companion to Francis of Assisi

• Abbreviations Introduction1 The Formative Years, 1205-122 The Hidden Years, 1212-163 The Pivotal Years, 1216-194 The Years Overseas, 1219-205 The Years of Confrontation, 1220-216 The Years of Legislation, 1221-37 The Years of Decline, 1223-6EpilogueReferencesFurther ReadingAcknowledgementsPhoto AcknowledgementsIndex