The little flowers of the glorious Messer St. Francis and of his friars

This collection of legends and anecdotes captures the early history of the Franciscan order, centering on the ministry of Saint Francis and his close companions like Brother Leo and Brother Bernard. The text details specific episodes of asceticism, such as the reception of the stigmata on Mount La Verna and the taming of the wolf of Gubbio. William Heywood’s translation presents these accounts as a series of moral parables that emphasize voluntary poverty, manual labor, and a kinship with the natural world through interactions with animals and the elements.

Students of medieval history and individuals interested in Christian mysticism read this volume to examine the development of the mendicant tradition. The book serves as a primary source for understanding the radical simplicity practiced by the early friars. Readers gain a direct look at thirteenth-century spiritual geography and the specific behavioral codes that defined the Franciscan movement. By the end, a reader understands the practical application of the beatitudes within the historical context of the Italian landscape and early monastic reform.

Inward-looking and contemplative; a moderate read.

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