The Friars: The Impact of the Early Mendicant Movement on Western Society (The Medieval World)

Rating:
Summary: Scholarly yet readable, sympathetic yet not uncritical
Review: Scholarly yet readable, sympathetic yet not uncritical, Lawrence's book provides a concise account not only of the early history of the Friars (Franciscans, Dominicans etc.) but of the history of the western church in the thirteenth century (including the church's missions to such distant places as Beijing). An excellent textbook for students, and an enjoyable read for anyone interested in history.

Rating:
Summary: A fine read for students of the thirteenth century church.
Review: This book deals with the origins of the Franciscan, Dominican, Augustinian, and Carmelite friars (along with other minor mendicant orders)
and the foundations of mendicancy. It is a great source of information for investigating the current trends in the church at large in the 12th-14th centuries.