Francis of Assisi is one saint who is honored by Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christians alike. Yet, too often, his original message has been lost and his role has been reduced to that of a gentle, whimsical hippie. The truth is, Francis was one of the most spiritually audacious men who ever lived. Nothing short of perfection in his own life and the lives of his followers would satisfy him. Nothing short of a pure grace of spirit. Nothing but literal obedience to God's word. He carried the imitation of Christ to heights that the rest of us can never hope to reach, but must constantly strive for, if we are to be spiritually alive. Although St. Francis himself was terrified of praise, perhaps he'll forgive us if we praise this book about him. It is an eloquent introduction to the foundation stones of his spiritual life: true humility, simplicity, poverty, and prayer.