St. Francis of Assisi

By: G. K. Chesterton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most influential men in the whole of human history. This acclaimed biography of Saint Francis examines the life of a pure artist, a man "whose whole life was a poem". Here is the Saint Francis who prayed and danced with pagan abandon, who talked to animals, and who invented the crèche. Yet Francis also acknowledged the mystic responsibility to communicate his divine experience. Chesterton examines the existence of the pure eccentric and the devout mystic in one man, offering an understanding of Saint Francis in both body and soul. It has been said that G. K. Chesterton converted to Catholicism in 1922 because "only the Roman Church could have produced a Saint Francis of Assisi".

This biography, published shortly after Chesterton's conversion, is universally considered the best appreciation of Francis' life, one that gets to the heart of the matter.

©1923 Gilbert Keith Chesterton. © renewed 1951 by Oliver Chesterton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Thoughtful, well written, well read

Simon Vance is a wonderful narrator for this style of writing.

GKC delicately handles difficult issues in telling the life and meaning of a great saint.

Excellent Treatment of St. Francis

First, slow down the listening speed to .80. The narration is at a pace that is far too fast to glean well what Chesterton has to offer in phrasing and accuracy to his points (and humor).

Second, an excellent and balanced treatment of St. Francis that both contextualizes him historically, and offers introduction to the unique newness he offers (both then and now). Even if you've read other treatments of Francis, you'll enjoy this one (not the least by which is due to G.K.'s wit). This book would serve both those new to Francis and those far more familiar with his life, as it carries a sense of the spiritual along with it (while not imposing it on the reader).

Great!

Absolutely loved this audiobook, wish it went into a little more detail but nonetheless inspired me to keep learning about st. Francis

A life of faith told faithfully by an extraordinary writer

Here are two commanding figures coming together to create an extraordinary personal story with epochal importance: a bona fide Saint and a writer whose own faith and understanding meets the rare qualification to do it justice.

Interesting review of St. Francis of Assisi’s life

Very interesting! The author gives very good historical background and context. I enjoyed the book.

Incredible

A wonderful narrative of a exalted yet incredibly tangible man. The closing is wonderful and the performance was riveting.

Great work but you will need to read more

It is an odd but powerful overview of St. Francis. The Saint’s greatness is appreciated by Christians and agnostics alike. But the hard question for me is what was he like. This book helped me understand him more, and brought me closer to understanding Jesus. The book is by know means a complete story of his life nor his beliefs. But it provides a distinct picture helping me fill in the blanks. It is pointed out Francis represented a part of Jesus. As I am left breathless by Francis, Jesus is incomprehensible

Classic Chesterton

Willful wordplay abounds, and stereoscopic analysis boxed in paradox: this listener found his discussion of the writing of history and the place of sex in the natural order particularly thought-provoking.
The impressionistic sketches of a meeting between Francis and Claire, and of the receiving of the stigmata are deft and moving.
Attempts by various ideologies to shanghai Francis are gleefully scuppered; he emerges from these pages his own man -- and everyone's.

GK is a poet! As is Francis

St. Francis of Assisi’s epic and poetic life deserves a biography just as dramatic and poetic. Chesterton has an ability to contextualize centuries, societies, and movements in one line, and through this reveals the heart of the Poverello of Assisi more deeply and colorfully.

More philosophical than biographical.

I've seen a movie about St. Francis so I knew a little bit about his life, and I learned some new things in this book. Like that he was a troubadour.

This was more philosophical than biographical. Some of it went over my head. I wish it had been more about his life and influence.

3 out of 5 Troubadours.