Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34837 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

A LIVING, BREATHING BIOGRAPHY
Celebrity biographer Spoto who is recognized for his definitive biographies of such luminaries as Tennessee Williams, Alfred Hitchcock, and Ingrid Bergman is also a biblical scholar. For over twenty years he taught theology on the college level, which may well have been rich background for his acclaimed "The Hidden Jesus" (1998). He now turns his attention to another religious figure - Saint Francis of Assisi.

If ever there was an unlikely candidate for sainthood it was Francis. He came from a prosperous family, was rebellious, served as a soldier, and made a place for himself in the business world of his time. Is this the Francis that we revere today because of his unselfish kindness and compassion? The story of his transformation, although probably well known, is presented with fresh insights by Spoto.

The author views Francis from the standpoint of history, and infuses his biography with telling details of religion and society during Francis's day. Given these insights our traditional view of the saint is enhanced. In addition, readers learn a great deal about the turmoil and violence which was rampant in medieval Italy.

After reading this thoughtful study one no longer sees Francis as a thin other worldly figure surrounded by animals. That stereotypical picture is replaced by a portrait of an authentic human being, thanks to Donald Spoto.

Insightful and deeply moving biography. Left me spell bound.
Donald Spoto captures the essence of St Francis of Assissi with his sympathetic interpretation of the life and conversion of this widely loved Saint.

Brilliantly written. I gained so much from this read. Donald Spoto imparted his slant on religion mysticism and christianty with deep empathetic perception, whilst taking me through the historical events surrounding St Francis.

Now of course I am hooked, and I am currently reading The Hidden Jesus.