Studying the Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

Studying the Life of St Francis of Assisi

There can be few figures from the history of the church more admired, followed or studied than St Francis. Yet for most of us our acquaintance with St Francis is limited – at best - to reading one of the many biographies about him or – at worst – to a Sunday School knowledge of his life as being devoted to animals and the poor. For those serious in their Franciscan studies – not least Franciscans themselves – something more robust is needed.
William Hugo has produced a workbook that connects the serious enquirer after Francis with the primary sources. His is a rigorous academic approach that is designed to enthuse and test the questioning and evaluative skills of the student.
The book is divided into two main sections. The first is designed to equip the reader with a range of tools with which to adopt a critical approach to Francis who – after all – tends to be perceived through rose tinted glasses. The second section is a masterful collection of worksheets that guide the student through the key features, personalities and events of Francis’ life as revealed through the primary sources to which Hugo refers.
The result provides the student of Francis with a demanding yet supportive framework through which to study the saint. Hugo’s accessible style and systematic approach is worthy of imitation by other academics, not least theologians. It would make studying the patristics much more engaging.

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