The Francis of Assisi in these pages is a man of struggle and suffering, a man God-possessed. "--"Saturday Review""The writing ... is direct and vigorous. "--"Commonweal""The novel is strong, deep, and moving... a penetration into the mystery and wonder of life. "--"San Francisco Chronicle"The protean Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis retells the story of the most beloved of saints--Francis of Assisi, who permanently changed the way people think about following God. Drawing on the traditional stories of the saint's life, Kazantzakis infuses the tale with a fervent vision that is uniquely his own, highlighting the saint's heroicsingle-mindedness in the face of extreme physical and spiritual suffering. He portrays the saint as a great lover and inspiring leader who embraced radical poverty in the face of many obstacles and temptations while achieving a way of life marked by epic generosity.