Thomas of Celano's First Life of St. Francis of Assisi

By Thomas of Celano

A translation of the First Life of St Francis or Vita Prima of 1228, this text is in three parts. The first is devoted to the purity of St Francis's life and his teaching; the second relates the events of the last year of his life; and the third deals with his canonization and miracles. There is a full introduction with background information about Thomas of Celano and his relationship with St Francis as well as a survey of other biographical writings about St Francis.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 028105245X
• ISBN13: 9780281052455
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Society for Promoting Christian
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.5" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Thomas of Celano Fills in Gaps

I ordered Thomas of Celano's First Life of St. Francis of Assisi in hopes of filling in some of the gaps between legend, fiction, and romance in many accounts of the life of St. Francis. The first and earliest account, Thomas' work is both genuine and 'testimonial'. Thomas doesn't pull any punches. He describes the joyful freedom that is normally associated with by modern writers. At the same time, he pulls no punches with Brother Francis' harsh self-discipline, his strictness with the Friars Minor, and his conflicts with his own ambitions contrasted with the Lord's. It is written early enough to be free of much of the legendary baggage ascribed to Francis, yet it is not objective. It is written by a brother who knew and loved Francis. I wish I had read this years ago.

A firm book on the life of St. Francis

St. Francis is someone everyone should know. He is a great mystic and peaceful saint and person. So get this great book if you haven't read about St. Francis. This book is as true as St. Bonaventure's original book but so much more readable. The book stays true to the life of St. Francis and therefore, it is a great and enjoyable read. The author writes of Francis's history, journeys, miracles, preaching, meditation, stigmata and death. The book is very readable and full of postscripts and notes to support the historical truth of St. Francis's life.I rated this book 4 stars because it is not complete without another very unique book titled "Simple Peace : The Spiritual Life of St. Francis of Assisi". But, Simple Peace is not complete unless you read a historical account like this book, so read Thomas Celeno's book first, then search for Simple Peace.