St. Francis of Assisi

By: G. K. Chesterton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most influential men in the whole of human history. This acclaimed biography of Saint Francis examines the life of a pure artist, a man "whose whole life was a poem". Here is the Saint Francis who prayed and danced with pagan abandon, who talked to animals, and who invented the crèche. Yet Francis also acknowledged the mystic responsibility to communicate his divine experience. Chesterton examines the existence of the pure eccentric and the devout mystic in one man, offering an understanding of Saint Francis in both body and soul. It has been said that G. K. Chesterton converted to Catholicism in 1922 because "only the Roman Church could have produced a Saint Francis of Assisi".

This biography, published shortly after Chesterton's conversion, is universally considered the best appreciation of Francis' life, one that gets to the heart of the matter.

©1923 Gilbert Keith Chesterton. © renewed 1951 by Oliver Chesterton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Simon Vance reads a remarkable work remarkably

Vance's has been the voice in my head when I read Chesterton this whole time. Glad to put a name to it. Obviously, Chesterton's biography of St Francis is impossible to overrate. The reading on this is equal to it. I can't recall a misplaced syllable.

Wow! what a performance of exceptional material!

this is heady stuff, written by a language master... I have already listened twice and will do so again. I feel certain I will learn more every time. Great subject .. St. Francis... Great author. Great performance!!

outstanding

The most important book I've read this year. Inspiring, challenging. I have a more well rounded understanding of St. Francis.

Overall Good

An inspirational look at the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Well written, narration was a bit off in parts.

A Poem of Praise

Classic Chesterton! If you enjoy his prose and his imagery and his love of all that is good then this is your jam.

Genius

The genius of GK Chesterton shines in this wonderfully human but intellectual biography of St Francis.

Beautifully and Brilliantly Written

GK Chesterton weaves insight and reason into a brief but deep account of the life, including contextual inferences, of St. Francis of Assisi.

Thoughtful, well written, well read

Simon Vance is a wonderful narrator for this style of writing.

GKC delicately handles difficult issues in telling the life and meaning of a great saint.

Excellent Treatment of St. Francis

First, slow down the listening speed to .80. The narration is at a pace that is far too fast to glean well what Chesterton has to offer in phrasing and accuracy to his points (and humor).

Second, an excellent and balanced treatment of St. Francis that both contextualizes him historically, and offers introduction to the unique newness he offers (both then and now). Even if you've read other treatments of Francis, you'll enjoy this one (not the least by which is due to G.K.'s wit). This book would serve both those new to Francis and those far more familiar with his life, as it carries a sense of the spiritual along with it (while not imposing it on the reader).

Great!

Absolutely loved this audiobook, wish it went into a little more detail but nonetheless inspired me to keep learning about st. Francis