From Library Journal
The virtues of this portrayal of Francis of Assisi are those of its inspirer. With disarming simplicity and candor, Julien Green (a well-known bilingual novelist who was the first English-speaking person elected to the French Academy) unfolds the life of il Poverello , who was not merely converted to Christianity but utterly transformed and abandoned to the truth of the Gospel. Though familial ambitions attempted to shape and control him, and the historical milieu to set its mark upon him, Francis chose, instead, ``perfect destitution,'' joy, song, and the wonders of nature. The rarity of such a transformation is the secret of Francis's endless appeal. The thoughtful, lucid prose that made the book a bestseller in Europe is marvelously evident in this translation. Highly recommended for general collections. Carol J. Lichtenberg, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
This novel, from the author of "The Closed Garden and "Moira" and at least 40 others, attempts to create a portrait of St Francis of Assisi, tracing his pampered childhood, the worldly days of his youth and his eventual conversion. The novel also explores the establishment of his religious order.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
