Robert West – författare

Polymer chemistry and technology form one of the major areas of molecular and materials science. This field impinges on nearly every aspect of modern life, from electronics technology, to medicine, to the wide range of fibers, films, elastomers, and structural materials on which everyone depends. Although most of these polymers are organic materials, attention is being focused increasingly toward polymers that contain inorganic elements as well as organic components. The goal of Inorganic Polymers is to provide a broad overview of inorganic polymers in a way that will be useful to both the uninitiated and those already working in this field. There are numerous reasons for being interested in inorganic polymers. One is the simple need to know how structure affects the properties of a polymer, particularly outside the well-plowed area of organic materials. Another is the bridge that inorganic polymers provide between polymer science and ceramics. More and more chemistry is being used in the preparation of ceramics of carefully controlled structure, and inorganic polymers are increasingly important precursor materials in such approaches. This new edition begins with a brief introductory chapter. That is followed with a discussion of the characteristics and characterization of polymers, with examples taken from the field. Other chapters in the book detail the synthesis, reaction chemistry, molecular structure, and uses of polyphosphazenes, polysiloxanes, and polysilanes. The coverage in the second edition has been updated and expanded significantly to cover advances and interesting trends since the first edition appeared. Three new chapters have been added, focusing on ferrocene-based polymers, other phosphorous-containing polymers, and boron-containing polymers; inorganic-organic hybrid composites; and preceramic inorganic polymers.

Polymer chemistry and technology form one of the major areas of molecular and materials science. This field impinges on nearly every aspect of modern life, from electronics technology, to medicine, to the wide range of fibers, films, elastomers, and structural materials on which everyone depends. Although most of these polymers are organic materials, attention is being focused increasingly toward polymers that contain inorganic elements as well as organiccomponents. The goal of Inorganic Polymers is to provide a broad overview of inorganic polymers in a way that will be useful to both the uninitiated and those already working in this field. There are numerousreasons for being interested in inorganic polymers. One is the simple need to know how structure affects the properties of a polymer, particularly outside the well-plowed area of organic materials. Another is the bridge that inorganic polymers provide between polymer science and ceramics. More and more chemistry is being used in the preparation of ceramics of carefully controlled structure, and inorganic polymers are increasingly important precursor materials in such approaches.This new edition begins with a brief introductory chapter. That is followed with a discussion of the characteristics and characterization of polymers, with examples taken from the field. Otherchapters in the book detail the synthesis, reaction chemistry, molecular structure, and uses of polyphosphazenes, polysiloxanes, and polysilanes. The coverage in the second edition has been updated and expanded significantly to cover advances and interesting trends since the first edition appeared. Three new chapters have been added, focusing on ferrocene-based polymers, other phosphorous-containing polymers, and boron-containing polymers; inorganic-organic hybrid composites; and preceramicinorganic polymers.

Polymer chemistry and technology form one of the major areas of molecular and materials science. This field impinges on nearly every aspect of modern life, from electronics technology, to medicine, to the wide range of fibers, films, elastomers, and structural materials on which everyone depends. Although most of these polymers are organic materials, attention is being focused increasingly toward polymers that contain inorganic elements as well as organic components. The goal of Inorganic Polymers is to provide a broad overview of inorganic polymers in a way that will be useful to both the uninitiated and those already working in this field. There are numerous reasons for being interested in inorganic polymers. One is the simple need to know how structure affects the properties of a polymer, particularly outside the well-plowed area of organic materials. Another is the bridge that inorganic polymers provide between polymer science and ceramics. More and more chemistry is being used in the preparation of ceramics of carefully controlled structure, and inorganic polymers are increasingly important precursor materials in such approaches. This new edition begins with a brief introductory chapter. That is followed with a discussion of the characteristics and characterization of polymers, with examples taken from the field. Other chapters in the book detail the synthesis, reaction chemistry, molecular structure, and uses of polyphosphazenes, polysiloxanes, and polysilanes. The coverage in the second edition has been updated and expanded significantly to cover advances and interesting trends since the first edition appeared. Three new chapters have been added, focusing on ferrocene-based polymers, other phosphorous-containing polymers, and boron-containing polymers; inorganic-organic hybrid composites; and preceramic inorganic polymers.

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.Newly arrived from California, thirteen-year-old Beamer MacIntyre feels like an alien in this bizarre Midwestern town. Strangest of all is the spaceship-shaped tree house in his yard. Surprises await Beamer and his two new friends, Ghoulie and Scilla, when they climb inside and blast off to a universe full of adventure—including a surefire way to make the school bully stop harassing Ghoulie (provided it doesn’t backfire!).

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.Taking a shortcut home from school, the Star-Fighters are chased by a horrible one-eyed creature into a cavern that houses an entire miniature world. Everything is animated—cars, trucks, moon, clouds, stars—but no one is at the controls. Who would make such a thing and then abandon it?The Star-Fighters’ search leads them on a wild adventure to a palatial mansion within a wintry jungle that hides a terrible secret—a secret that defines the limits of trusting God.

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.In Episode Three, The Star-Fighters, under attack from pink goblins and Molgotha, a drooling giant octopod, must save a girl locked in a "pink palace." In a wacky adventure which takes them to a pink planet, through subterranean civilizations and into a modern day Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, the Star-Fighters discover a dark secret and find beauty in the most unlikely beasts.

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.Taking a shortcut home from school, the Star-Fighters are chased by a horrible one-eyed creature into a cavern that houses an entire miniature world. Everything is animated—cars, trucks, moon, clouds, stars—but no one is at the controls. Who would make such a thing and then abandon it?The Star-Fighters’ search leads them on a wild adventure to a palatial mansion within a wintry jungle that hides a terrible secret—a secret that defines the limits of trusting God.

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.In Episode Three, The Star-Fighters, under attack from pink goblins and Molgotha, a drooling giant octopod, must save a girl locked in a "pink palace." In a wacky adventure which takes them to a pink planet, through subterranean civilizations and into a modern day Dr. Frankenstein''s laboratory, the Star-Fighters discover a dark secret and find beauty in the most unlikely beasts.

Know Your Star-FightersBeamer: California transplant to a weird Midwestern town. Feels like he’s living on another planet. Scilla: the gangly tomboy next door. Ghoulie: the class nerd. Add one spaceship-shaped tree house capable of taking them most anywhere in the universe. Hop in and blast off for fantastic outer space adventures in Star-Fighters of Murphy Street—the quirky, funny, fast-paced new trilogy by Robert West.Newly arrived from California, thirteen-year-old Beamer MacIntyre feels like an alien in this bizarre Midwestern town. Strangest of all is the spaceship-shaped tree house in his yard. Surprises await Beamer and his two new friends, Ghoulie and Scilla, when they climb inside and blast off to a universe full of adventure—including a surefire way to make the school bully stop harassing Ghoulie (provided it doesn’t backfire!).

The word ‘addiction’ these days is used to refer to a chronic condition where there is anunhealthily powerful motivation to engage in a particular behaviour. This can be driven bymany different factors – physiological, psychological, environmental and social. If we say that itis all about X, we miss V, W, Y and Z. So, some people think addicts are using drugs to escapefrom unhappy lives, feelings of anxiety and so on; many are. Some people think drugs becomeaddictive because they alter the brain chemistry to create powerful urges; that is often true.Others think that drug taking is about seeking after pleasure; often it is. Some take the view thataddiction is a choice – addicts weigh up the pros and cons of doing what they do and decidethe former outweigh the latter. Yet others believe that addicts suffer from poor impulse control;that is often true… And so it goes on.When you look at the evidence, you see that all these positions capture important aspects ofthe problem – but they are not complete explanations. Neuroscience can help us delve moredeeply into some of these explanations, while the behavioural and social sciences are better atexploring others. We need a model that puts all this together in a way that can help us decidewhat to do in different cases. Should we prescribe a drug, give the person some ‘tender lovingcare’, put them in prison or what? Theory of Addiction provides this synthesis.The first edition was well received:‘Throughout the book the reader is exposed to a vast number of useful observations...Thetheoretical aims are timely, refreshing, ambitious and above all challenging. It opens up a newway of looking at addiction and has the potential to move the field of addiction a considerableleap forward. Thus we wholeheartedly would like to recommend the book for students as wellas scholars. Read and learn!’ Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs‘The book provides a comprehensive review of existing theories - over 30 in all - and thissynthesis of theories constitutes an important contribution in and of itself... West is to becommended for his synthesis of addiction theories that span neurobiology, psychology andsocial science and for his insights into what remains unexplained.’ AddictionThis new edition of Theory of Addiction builds on the first, including additional theories inthe field, a more developed specification of PRIME theory and analysis of the expandingevidence base.With this important new information, Theory of Addiction will continue to be essential readingfor all those working in addiction, from student to experienced practitioner – as urged above,Read and learn!

Manual of Smoking Cessation provides the crucial knowledge required if you are involved in helping smokers to stop. The manual provides facts, figures, suggested interventions and sources of further information to assist in providing evidence-based treatment for smokers wishing to stop. This manual covers the core content areas and key learning outcomes described in the Standard for Training in Smoking Cessation (Health Development Agency, 2003). Manual of Smoking Cessation is structured in two concise parts: Part 1 provides essential information on smoking demographics, along with the risks of smoking and the benefits of stopping; Part 2 offers a range of practical advice to implement with clients.

The Smoking Cessation Manual is an essential text for all those involved in the provision of smoking cessation services, including smoking cessation counsellors, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, health promotion officers, dental professionals, and other members of the health care team. The book is an invaluable resource for those learning about smoking cessation, and a succinct aide-memoire to those already practicing in the field.

The authors represent the ''who''s who'' in the field of smoking cessation and are affiliated to University College London and Cancer Research UK (Andy McEwen and Robert West), St Bartholomew''s & Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry (Peter Hajek), and the University of Auckland (Hayden McRobbie).

The word ‘addiction’ these days is used to refer to a chronic condition where there is an unhealthily powerful motivation to engage in a particular behaviour. This can be driven by many different factors – physiological, psychological, environmental and social. If we say that it is all about X, we miss V, W, Y and Z. So, some people think addicts are using drugs to escape from unhappy lives, feelings of anxiety and so on; many are. Some people think drugs become addictive because they alter the brain chemistry to create powerful urges; that is often true. Others think that drug taking is about seeking after pleasure; often it is. Some take the view that addiction is a choice – addicts weigh up the pros and cons of doing what they do and decide the former outweigh the latter. Yet others believe that addicts suffer from poor impulse control; that is often true… And so it goes on.

When you look at the evidence, you see that all these positions capture important aspects of the problem – but they are not complete explanations. Neuroscience can help us delve more deeply into some of these explanations, while the behavioural and social sciences are better at exploring others. We need a model that puts all this together in a way that can help us decide what to do in different cases. Should we prescribe a drug, give the person some ‘tender loving care’, put them in prison or what? Theory of Addiction provides this synthesis.

The first edition was well received:

‘Throughout the book the reader is exposed to a vast number of useful observations...The theoretical aims are timely, refreshing, ambitious and above all challenging. It opens up a new way of looking at addiction and has the potential to move the field of addiction a considerable leap forward. Thus we wholeheartedly would like to recommend the book for students as well as scholars. Read and learn!’ Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

‘The book provides a comprehensive review of existing theories - over 30 in all - and this synthesis of theories constitutes an important contribution in and of itself... West is to be commended for his synthesis of addiction theories that span neurobiology, psychology and social science and for his insights into what remains unexplained.’ Addiction

This new edition of Theory of Addiction builds on the first, including additional theories in the field, a more developed specification of PRIME theory and analysis of the expanding evidence base. With this important new information, Theory of Addiction will continue to be essential reading for all those working in addiction, from student to experienced practitioner – as urged above, Read and learn!

The word ‘addiction’ these days is used to refer to a chronic condition where there is an unhealthily powerful motivation to engage in a particular behaviour. This can be driven by many different factors – physiological, psychological, environmental and social. If we say that it is all about X, we miss V, W, Y and Z. So, some people think addicts are using drugs to escape from unhappy lives, feelings of anxiety and so on; many are. Some people think drugs become addictive because they alter the brain chemistry to create powerful urges; that is often true. Others think that drug taking is about seeking after pleasure; often it is. Some take the view that addiction is a choice – addicts weigh up the pros and cons of doing what they do and decide the former outweigh the latter. Yet others believe that addicts suffer from poor impulse control; that is often true… And so it goes on.

When you look at the evidence, you see that all these positions capture important aspects of the problem – but they are not complete explanations. Neuroscience can help us delve more deeply into some of these explanations, while the behavioural and social sciences are better at exploring others. We need a model that puts all this together in a way that can help us decide what to do in different cases. Should we prescribe a drug, give the person some ‘tender loving care’, put them in prison or what? Theory of Addiction provides this synthesis.

The first edition was well received:

‘Throughout the book the reader is exposed to a vast number of useful observations...The theoretical aims are timely, refreshing, ambitious and above all challenging. It opens up a new way of looking at addiction and has the potential to move the field of addiction a considerable leap forward. Thus we wholeheartedly would like to recommend the book for students as well as scholars. Read and learn!’ Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

‘The book provides a comprehensive review of existing theories - over 30 in all - and this synthesis of theories constitutes an important contribution in and of itself... West is to be commended for his synthesis of addiction theories that span neurobiology, psychology and social science and for his insights into what remains unexplained.’ Addiction

This new edition of Theory of Addiction builds on the first, including additional theories in the field, a more developed specification of PRIME theory and analysis of the expanding evidence base. With this important new information, Theory of Addiction will continue to be essential reading for all those working in addiction, from student to experienced practitioner – as urged above, Read and learn!

The fascinating and exciting evidence in this book has tremendous appeal. For students of Music Therapy, and others training in medical and paramedical disciplines, it can be considered an essential text for study, and required reading to gain an overview of the field. This book provides a landmark in the literature of Music Therapy. For the scientist, chapters on the biological and medical effects of music give a wealth of research evidence on the value of music in therapy and music in medicine. For readers from paramedical, educational and other clinical fields, there are eighteen chapters detailing music therapy techniques and approaches in psychiatry, pediatrics, learning difficulties, elderly and sensory handicap. Diagnosis and assessment are covered in considerable detail and the general effect of music is reviewed in many of the contributions. For all qualified music therapists and students.

The fascinating and exciting evidence in this book has tremendous appeal. For students of Music Therapy, and others training in medical and paramedical disciplines, it can be considered an essential text for study, and required reading to gain an overview of the field. This book provides a landmark in the literature of Music Therapy. For the scientist, chapters on the biological and medical effects of music give a wealth of research evidence on the value of music in therapy and music in medicine. For readers from paramedical, educational and other clinical fields, there are eighteen chapters detailing music therapy techniques and approaches in psychiatry, pediatrics, learning difficulties, elderly and sensory handicap. Diagnosis and assessment are covered in considerable detail and the general effect of music is reviewed in many of the contributions. For all qualified music therapists and students.

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.

Manual of Smoking Cessation provides the crucial knowledge required if you are involved in helping smokers to stop. The manual provides facts, figures, suggested interventions and sources of further information to assist in providing evidence-based treatment for smokers wishing to stop. This manual covers the core content areas and key learning outcomes described in the Standard for Training in Smoking Cessation (Health Development Agency, 2003). Manual of Smoking Cessation is structured in two concise parts: Part 1 provides essential information on smoking demographics, along with the risks of smoking and the benefits of stopping; Part 2 offers a range of practical advice to implement with clients. The Smoking Cessation Manual is an essential text for all those involved in the provision of smoking cessation services, including smoking cessation counsellors, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, health promotion officers, dental professionals, and other members of the health care team. The book is an invaluable resource for those learning about smoking cessation, and a succinct aide-memoire to those already practicing in the field.The authors represent the 'who's who' in the field of smoking cessation and are affiliated to University College London and Cancer Research UK (Andy McEwen and Robert West), St Bartholomew's & Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry (Peter Hajek), and the University of Auckland (Hayden McRobbie).

The truth about quitting smoking and how it can work for you.YOU CAN STOP SMOKING FOR GOOD.How to Quit Smoking reveals the TRUTH about stopping smoking from leading expert Professor Robert West.This book shows, for the first time, how you can create your personal SmokeFree Formula so that you are free from cigarettes for good.Professor Robert West is a world authority on smoking and addiction and has been helping smokers stop for more than 30 years. He is an advisor to the Department of Health and helped set up the NHS Stop SmokingServices. The book was written with Chris Smyth, Health Correspondent at The Times, and Jamie West.How to Quit Smoking is the ultimate guide to stopping smoking once and for all.

This is the OCR-endorsed publication from Bloomsbury for the Latin AS and A-Level (Group 1) prescription of Cicero's pro Milone sections 24–32, 34–35 and 43–52, and the A-Level (Group 2) prescription of sections 53–64 (to defendere) and 72–80, giving full Latin text, commentary and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed text to be read in English for A Level.The death of Publius Clodius and the prosecution of Milo for his murder came at a critical point in the history of the late Republic, with Civil War and the collapse of the Republic only three years away. In his passionate defence of Milo, Cicero pleads for the rule of law as a vital counterweight to the anarchy that the gangs of Clodius, and Milo, had created. The published speech was regarded as a masterpiece of oratory in its own time, and is still held to be one of his finest compositions and a model for the presentation of such a defence.

This is the OCR-endorsed publication from Bloomsbury for the Latin AS and A-Level (Group 1) prescription of Cicero''s pro Milone sections 24–32, 34–35 and 43–52, and the A-Level (Group 2) prescription of sections 53–64 (to defendere) and 72–80, giving full Latin text, commentary and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed text to be read in English for A Level.The death of Publius Clodius and the prosecution of Milo for his murder came at a critical point in the history of the late Republic, with Civil War and the collapse of the Republic only three years away. In his passionate defence of Milo, Cicero pleads for the rule of law as a vital counterweight to the anarchy that the gangs of Clodius, and Milo, had created. The published speech was regarded as a masterpiece of oratory in its own time, and is still held to be one of his finest compositions and a model for the presentation of such a defence.

This is the OCR-endorsed publication from Bloomsbury for the Latin AS and A-Level (Group 1) prescription of Cicero''s pro Milone sections 24–32, 34–35 and 43–52, and the A-Level (Group 2) prescription of sections 53–64 (to defendere) and 72–80, giving full Latin text, commentary and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed text to be read in English for A Level.The death of Publius Clodius and the prosecution of Milo for his murder came at a critical point in the history of the late Republic, with Civil War and the collapse of the Republic only three years away. In his passionate defence of Milo, Cicero pleads for the rule of law as a vital counterweight to the anarchy that the gangs of Clodius, and Milo, had created. The published speech was regarded as a masterpiece of oratory in its own time, and is still held to be one of his finest compositions and a model for the presentation of such a defence.

You can choose where you live, serve, learn, and give. What about where you invest? What if you could align your investments with God’s heart? Imagine the impact that you could have.As Christians, we seek to make God a part of every decision that we make—the way we parent, lead, serve, and spend. But what if God has a purpose and plan for the investing dreams that he has given you? A community of ministries, businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and fund managers have all experienced God awakening a movement, and it’s bigger than simply avoiding “sin stocks.” This movement is all about investing in human flourishing and driving capital into initiatives that stand for something significant. Faith Driven Investing defines this movement and helps you envision how your capital can grow and fund God’s purposes in this world.Join other Faith Driven leaders and investors on this journey:Timothy Keller: How your identity as a beloved child of God is more than your financial returnsAndy Crouch: How to bring transparency and generosity to your financesCathie Wood: How to find your call to create and innovate in investingAnd many more!Faith Driven Investing will inspire you to join small groups with other professionals who are on this same journey with you. See your investments from God’s perspective and learn how to steward your investments for His kingdom.Each book purchase includes access to the eight-session Faith Driven Investing video series, a discussion guide to encourage conversation among peers, and an invitation to join a Faith Driven Investing Group to meet other like-minded investors.

This is the first intermediate-student edition of a selection from Cicero's Pro Milone. Sections 24–32, 34–35, 43–52, 53–64 (to defendere) and 72–80 are included as Latin text with an accompanying commentary and vocabulary. Focusing on a deliberately concise extract from the original, this edition is designed to be manageable for students reading the text for the first time while also perfectly encapsulating the interest of the longer work and inspiring further study of it. A detailed introduction explains points of historical and stylistic interest, encompassing the full speech, including sections omitted here from the Latin.The death of Publius Clodius and the prosecution of Milo for his murder came at a critical point in the history of the late Republic, with Civil War and the collapse of the Republic only three years away. In his passionate defence of Milo, Cicero pleads for the rule of law as a vital counterweight to the anarchy that the gangs of Clodius, and Milo, had created. The published speech was regarded as a masterpiece of oratory in its own time, and is still held to be one of his finest compositions and a model for the presentation of such a defence.

This is the first intermediate-student edition of a selection from Cicero's Pro Milone. Sections 24–32, 34–35, 43–52, 53–64 (to defendere) and 72–80 are included as Latin text with an accompanying commentary and vocabulary. Focusing on a deliberately concise extract from the original, this edition is designed to be manageable for students reading the text for the first time while also perfectly encapsulating the interest of the longer work and inspiring further study of it. A detailed introduction explains points of historical and stylistic interest, encompassing the full speech, including sections omitted here from the Latin.The death of Publius Clodius and the prosecution of Milo for his murder came at a critical point in the history of the late Republic, with Civil War and the collapse of the Republic only three years away. In his passionate defence of Milo, Cicero pleads for the rule of law as a vital counterweight to the anarchy that the gangs of Clodius, and Milo, had created. The published speech was regarded as a masterpiece of oratory in its own time, and is still held to be one of his finest compositions and a model for the presentation of such a defence.

In this Christian Encounter Series biography, author Robert West explores the life of Saint Francis, a man who lived entirely devoted to God.Francis of Assisi has inspired the church for centuries. Francis took the gospel literally, following all that Jesus said and did without limit, and his devotion led to a life filled with miracles and wonders.Born to a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, Italy, Francis didn’t seem destined for the life of prayer and poverty that he chose. Bankrolled by his father, and with natural good looks and personality, Francis indulged in worldly pleasure. He had a ready wit, sang merrily, and delighted in fine clothes and showy display. Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking ways and led him to a life of prayer and unbridled devotion to Scripture. He 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.Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.