Francis of Assisi: the Saint: Early Documents, Vol. 1 »

Regis Armstrong is a renowned Franciscan scholar. He has authored and edited numerous books including Francis and Clare: The Complete Writings, The Life of Saint Francis and Clare of Assisi: Early Documents.

This three-volume project produces a translation of the extant texts of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries that present the life and writings of Francis of Assisi. It 1) provides a new and more complete publication of the early Franciscan critical texts that offer fresh translations in light of the scholarship of the past three decades; 2) provides a more manageable and accessible edition of the Franciscan texts in several volumes; 3) presents scholarly introductions, critical apparatus, and annotations to give readers biblical, historical, sociological, hagiographical, spiritual and pastoral perspectives; 4) situates the Franciscan texts within the Christian tradition and context of their day.

The texts chosen represent the most important sources for studying the life and vision of Francis.

The Saint includes The Writings by Francis, The Life of Francis by Thomas of Celano, The Liturgical Texts, The Life of Francis by Julian of Speyer, The Versified Life of Francis by Henri D'Avranches, The Sacred Exchange between Saint Francis and Lady Poverty and Related Documents. Also included is a general introduction to the series by Regis Armstrong, helpful introductions to each section, colored maps, extensive annotation.

Library Journal

The is the first of a projected three-volume set of writings by and about St. Francis of Assisi. Each volume will reflect different aspects of Francis's work and thought. The texts come from the first 150 years (c. 1250-1355) of the Franciscan tradition and help us understand both Francis and his movement. This volume contains writings of Francis on such diverse subjects as Prayer Before the Crucifix, Exhortations to Clergy, Rule for Hermitages, and A Salutation of the Virtues. The writings afford wonderful insight into the theology and basic concerns of this important figure in church history. The book contains a life of Francis written in 1228-29 by Thomas of Celano, as much theology as biography; a biography by Julian of Speyer; and a versified life of Francis written between 1230 and 1241. There is wonderful variety among the writings included here, and the chronological arrangement reveals the development of Francis's thought. Helpful footnotes and Scripture references in the margins make the work even more useful. Recommended.--David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino