Paul Sabatier’s Life of St. Francis of Assisi, first published in 1894, was a landmark in modern hagiography: a rigorously researched and deeply sympathetic biography of Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181–1226), who renounced wealth to preach poverty and compassion, founded the Franciscan Order, and became one of the most beloved figures in Christian history. Sabatier’s scholarly yet accessible approach gave new life to Francis for modern readers.
Widely translated and still read, this biography captures both the historical Francis and the spiritual power that has drawn people to him across eight centuries. Download the free EPUB and discover this classic of religious biography.