Cambridge Companion to Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi (1181/82-1226) was one of the most vibrant and colourful personalities in the Middle Ages. The life of this remarkable reformer of the medieval Church was celebrated in art, drama, poetry, music, the new vernacular literature and architecture. His ideal was to enter into a restorative and enriching relationship with Jesus Christ, whom he wished to imitate in the most perfect manner, a direct and immediate goal which captured the contemporary imagination. This Companion explores the life of Francis of Assisi and his legacy. The first part concentrates on his life and works whilst the second explores the way in which his heritage influenced the apostolic activities of his followers in the century following his death. 'Well thought out and lucidly written.' The TabletPart I. Francis of Assisi: 1. Francis and the Franciscan movement (1181/2-1226) Michael F. Cusato; 2. The writings of Francis Michael J. P. Robson; 3. The rule and life of the lesser brothers William J. Short; 4. Francis and his hagiographical tradition Michael W. Blastic; 5. Voluntary simplicity: the attitude of Francis toward learning in his medieval biographies Neslihan Senocak; 6. Francis and the historiographical tradition in the order Annette Kehnel; 7. Francis and Clare and the emergence of the second order Jean Francois Godet-Calogeras; 8. Francis and the encounter with the sultan (1219) Steven J. McMichael; 9. Francis and Creation Timothy J. Johnson; Part II. The Heritage of Francis of Assisi: 10. Francis and the pursuit of learning Bert Roest; 11. The early Franciscans and the towns Jens Rohrkasten; 12. The third order of Francis Ingrid Peterson; 13. Franciscan ideals and the royal family of France (1226-1328) Sean L. Field; 14. Franciscans as papal and royal envoys to the Tartars (1245-1255) Peter Jackson; 15. Franciscan missions E. Randolph Daniel; 16. Pope John XXII, the Franciscan order and its rule Patrick Nold; 17. The ecumenical appeal of Francis Pet... Dunstan.