Rating: 
Summary: Solid Work
Review: A good read that puts St. Francis in context with his Italian environment, and the mystique that developed around him. The book could use a bit more academic rigor, and is more sympathetic to the Renaissance papacy than I think it deserves. Having said that it was a solid read and an enjoyable and inspiring work. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Work
Review: A good read that puts St. Francis in context with his Italian environment, and the mystique that developed around him. The book could use a bit more academic rigor, and is more sympathetic to the Renaissance papacy than I think it deserves. Having said that it was a solid read and an enjoyable and inspiring work. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: AN AUTHENTIC LOOK AT SAINT FRANCIS
Review: 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. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: AN AUTHENTIC LOOK AT SAINT FRANCIS
Review: 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. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Great Story
Review: In Donald Spoto?s latest biography, we meet the fascinating and engaging character of one of the great Christian saints. Indeed, he is probably one of the most well-known saints, and the impression he made on the church is still extremely palpable. The memory of St. Francis is served well by this thoughtful but realistic biography. It is hard to know much about Francis, for so much of his story is hidden with post historical fantasy. Spoto does a good job of presenting these sources and letting the reader know what he considers reality and what he considers fiction. What we do know is that Francis was born in the town of Assisi, in present day Italy. The color and culture of the town in the area is described very well, as we can tell much from St. Francis? origins. Born to well to do parents, Francis quickly gained a reputation as a lazy playboy, living off his parent?s profits. He showed little interest in his fathers merchant business, his only real motivation was his own enjoyment. However, as he grew older, something really changed. Of course, as later observers, we can only guess at the spiritual catalyst for Francis? conversion, but the results are so very exciting. Spoto does a great job of describing this amazing change of heart, as Francis quickly leaves his comfortable lifestyle in the pursuit of ?true Christianity?. Although some of the mystical elements of Francis are stripped away, such as his alleged stigmata, Francis does emerge from this book as a very admirable person, selflessly dedicated to the health of others. His story should be inspirational to Christians and non-Christians alike. Spoto also provides an intriguing look at the religious politics of the time. While conventional Catholicism was growing in power and political influence, it was losing its connection to the laity, quickly. Many clergy members were corrupt and amoral, with little actual understanding of the gospels themselves. Rome grew more powerful under the reign of various politically astute Popes, but many, including Francis, felt the Church was losing its spiritual mission. This became even more apparent as war after war was waged against the Muslims and various native heretics. The Church was becoming just another nation state, a fate people like Francis were determined to change. Through a mix of strategy and church reluctance to crack down on such an unimposing and pious figure, Francis managed to create an extremely prevalent order that survives and thrives to this day. While it was a little too short, Spoto provides the reader with a readable and concise biography of a great man.
Rating:
Summary: Great Story
Review: In Donald Spoto?s latest biography, we meet the fascinating and engaging character of one of the great Christian saints. Indeed, he is probably one of the most well-known saints, and the impression he made on the church is still extremely palpable. The memory of St. Francis is served well by this thoughtful but realistic biography. It is hard to know much about Francis, for so much of his story is hidden with post historical fantasy. Spoto does a good job of presenting these sources and letting the reader know what he considers reality and what he considers fiction. What we do know is that Francis was born in the town of Assisi, in present day Italy. The color and culture of the town in the area is described very well, as we can tell much from St. Francis? origins. Born to well to do parents, Francis quickly gained a reputation as a lazy playboy, living off his parent?s profits. He showed little interest in his fathers merchant business, his only real motivation was his own enjoyment. However, as he grew older, something really changed. Of course, as later observers, we can only guess at the spiritual catalyst for Francis? conversion, but the results are so very exciting. Spoto does a great job of describing this amazing change of heart, as Francis quickly leaves his comfortable lifestyle in the pursuit of ?true Christianity?. Although some of the mystical elements of Francis are stripped away, such as his alleged stigmata, Francis does emerge from this book as a very admirable person, selflessly dedicated to the health of others. His story should be inspirational to Christians and non-Christians alike. Spoto also provides an intriguing look at the religious politics of the time. While conventional Catholicism was growing in power and political influence, it was losing its connection to the laity, quickly. Many clergy members were corrupt and amoral, with little actual understanding of the gospels themselves. Rome grew more powerful under the reign of various politically astute Popes, but many, including Francis, felt the Church was losing its spiritual mission. This became even more apparent as war after war was waged against the Muslims and various native heretics. The Church was becoming just another nation state, a fate people like Francis were determined to change. Through a mix of strategy and church reluctance to crack down on such an unimposing and pious figure, Francis managed to create an extremely prevalent order that survives and thrives to this day. While it was a little too short, Spoto provides the reader with a readable and concise biography of a great man.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Read about an Interesting Life
Review: St. Francis of Assisi acquired an amulet-like quality. He's a saint well-known in the popular vernacular--the humble friar in sackcloth with a penchant for caring for animals. The "real" Francis gets written about by numerous biographers. But Spoto's
treatment nonetheless stands out as a worthy read.
This book explains the main events, context and ideas of Francis' life and ministry. Spoto, a theologian by training, employs a narrative voice which is anything but Hemingwayesque,
as he tries to set up the setting for both the historical and theological context for Francis. The result is a literate, relatively brief, and fascinating good read.
The Francis who emerges is, not surprisingly, a more complex character than the garden-gnome St. Francis of the vernacular.
Spoto uses a light touch to set forth not only Francis' triumphs and innovations, but also his many frustrations and asynchronies.
What becomes of a rebel who is determined to cause revolution within a faith not entirely ready for him? This biography raises and addresses this question, without quite answering it.
Sometimes the narrative commentary distracts a bit, but overall, the narrative voice is a welcome companion. I was disappointed that Spoto rushes to put an "orthodox" face upon the universality of Francis' last songs. Spoto seems to be shadow-boxing with prior writers, without quite showing us the wayang play in progress.
But Spoto wisely recognizes that Francis is best treated as one who led by example, not complex doctrine. He also appreciates that Francis' life is not only extraordinary, but also adventurous and many-faceted. His Francis is no dry virtuous saint, but a living, eccentric man who pointed out a new way to live.
Can anyone live the truly virtuous life? This is what Francis' story asks of religious person and the irreligious alike. Although this book is written by an apologist, it's not a mere work of Christian apology disguised as a biography.
Nobody knows, really, quite who Francis was. But this life tells a lot about what western religious culture aspires to be. This is a good treatment of a fascinating life, well worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: A jumble
Review: This biography - of a craftsman I assume, in writing biographies at least - puts me time and time again on a weak foot.
The arrangement of the chapters in years evokes the expectation that those years are important for the biographer and for the life of Francis. Alas, Spoto jumbles a lot with data and years. He does so with Francis' companions too: which friars visit Francis in the Middle East? When does Peter Cattani becomes minister of the fraternity? in which year the so-called `first version of the Letter to the faithful' was written? and so on...
By his assessment of some protagonists Spoto shows a writer of a biography of Francis should be a craftsman in franciscanology, too, or he should at least devote more time to study and write than Spoto has done. To give only one example, it is not done to use the judgment of Brother Elias of Omer Englebert as final. There is too much research done since then!
Anyway, there are enough good and reliable biographies of Francis on the market. You would better choose another.
Rating:
Summary: A jumble
Review: This biography - of a craftsman I assume, in writing biographies at least - puts me time and time again on a weak foot.
The arrangement of the chapters in years the expectation evokes the expectation that those are important for the biographer and for the life of Francis. Alas, Spoto jumbles a lot with data and years. He does so with Francis' companions too: which friars visit Francis in the Middle East? When does Peter Cattani becomes minister of the fraternity? in which year the so-called 'first version of the Letter to the faithful' was written? and so on...
By his assessment of some protagonists Spoto shows a writer of a biography of Francis should be a craftsman in franciscanology, too, or he should at least devote more time to study and write than Spoto has done. To give only one example, it is not done to use the judgment of Brother Elias of Omer Englebert. There is too much research done since then!
Anyway, there are enough good and reliable biographies of Francis on the market. You would better choose another.
Rating:
Summary: One of the very best Francis biographies
Review: This is a definitive biography of St. Francis, placing his life in context of his cultural and religio-political times as few have done before. Spotto takes advantage of the most recent work of Franciscan scholars to piece together a wonderful, complex, historically accurate image of St. Francis and his radical gospel charism. However many Francis biographies you may have read, this one will offer you insights and facts you haven't come across before...unless you're one of those Franciscan scholars listed in Spotto's excellent bibliography -- or have worked your way through all three of those fat volumes of the new "Omnibus." As a Secular Franciscan, I've read dozens of Francis books over the past thirty-plus years, but I couldn't put this one down. If Franciscans had a required reading list (unthinkably un-Franciscan!), this book should be at the very top of it.
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