Francis of Assisi remains a moving figure in church history even eight hundred years after his birth. Not only as the founder of the Franciscan order, but even more so through his reverence for creation and his unwavering vow of poverty, he is perceived today as a critic of modern economic practices. Contemporaries already recorded events from the life of Francis of Assisi that quickly took on legendary characteristics. Historians, writers, composers, and painters, and more recently filmmakers, have always strived to create a true and convincing portrait. It is understandable that this has led to different, sometimes contradictory representations, interpretations, and views. This book also cannot claim to tell the "one true" story of Francis of Assisi. The author has consciously focused on the substantial.