Francis of Assisi: Early Documents presents a translation of the extant texts of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries that present the life and writings of Francis of Assisi. 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 DAvranches, 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. 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.ADavid Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. "New City Press releases the first volume in its projected three-volume collection of the early writings of St. Francis of Assisi. Edited by Franciscan scholars, Francis of Assisi: Early Documents contains new translations of such well-known writings as The Canticle of the Creatures, biographies of Francis by his contemporaries, and The Versified Life of Saint Francis by Henri d'Avraches, translated here for the first time." Publishers Weekly "Although its painstaking introductions and annotations are intended for scholars, the readings themselves are as vibrant, accessible, instructive and charming as St. Francis himself must have been." America "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." Library Journal " Francis of Assisi: Early Documents provides new and updated resources to help forge the human Francis from the struggles of this time and from our misunderstandings about his call and charism. The scholarly presentation of the writings and primitive biographies in this volume focus on the earliest writings about Francis as The Saint , unveiling the person of Francis and his first followers in their medieval context. In this volume we are given a new song of Francis for our time." Ingrid Peterson, O.S.F. Author of Praying with Clare of Assisi "This is a magnificent collection of texts which illuminate the person of Saint Francis and the beginnings of the Franciscan Order. The translators provide a wonderful balance between fluent language and scholarly apparatus, thus making the result equally useful for students and anyone else interested in the meaning of the Franciscan experience. Francis emerges here as a man for all people, a Christ-like figure on fire with his message." Brian Patrick McGuire Roskilde University, Denmark "I am told that Francis of Assisi has the longest single biography of any person in history. This magnificent collection, both scholarly and complete, will show you why 'the whole world runs after him.' It might start you running too." Richard Rohr, O.F.M. 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.