Celebrated for speaking with the birds, for receiving the stigmata and for initiating the Franciscan order, St Francis is one of the most radical and inspirational figures of the medieval Church.

Locating Francis in the feudal world of the 12th and 13th centuries and exploring the social and political changes taking place at the time, Le Goff assess the dramatic influence of the saint on the medieval church and celebrates his role in the spiritual revival of the Catholic Church.

'Saint Francis is a short, powerful and rewarding study of one of the most striking of medieval figures. It succeeds in opening many and varied avenues through which he can be approached.' - Church times