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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Did I like this listen? Yes. I will fully admit that it was more because I could spend 4 hours listening to Simon Vance ... :D one of my favorite narrators ... than because I learned a ton about St. Francis (I didn't).
I did appreciate Chesterton's efforts to set Francis in his historical context, and provide details about European, at least, history to that point. That was insightful and helpful. There was a fair bit of philosophy included that went over my head at times (but again, didn't help getting sidetracked by a swoonworthy narrator--focus, Meagan!).
But, it was still a good book to partake of as I also walk the St. Francis Way for a virtual Conqueror Challenge, and that was really my end goal. Check!
I did appreciate Chesterton's efforts to set Francis in his historical context, and provide details about European, at least, history to that point. That was insightful and helpful. There was a fair bit of philosophy included that went over my head at times (but again, didn't help getting sidetracked by a swoonworthy narrator--focus, Meagan!).
But, it was still a good book to partake of as I also walk the St. Francis Way for a virtual Conqueror Challenge, and that was really my end goal. Check!
informative
fast-paced
This is really an essay rather than a biography. Chesterton's conversion to, and enthusiasm for, Catholicism somewhat taints his judgement, to the detriment of his usual excellent sense, but he writes superbly as always, and one comes away with new insights and plenty of food for thought.
informative
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Unlike Chesterton's work on Thomas Aquinas I liked several moments of his own thought and philosophy interjected into the story of St. Francis. Much like his other work this book did skip much of what made St. Francis so important and famous. I do think he provided a wealth of information about the history of the Saint and explained his process of transition from a martial life to a religious one. Overall a much less charged book than his book on Aquinas and an interesting starter point to give someone a glimpse of this figure for further study.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Chesterton has a unique style. He writes heavily about the broader context of St. Francis, which I liked. That said this felt more like a series of reflections than an actual biography. Still, I'm glad I read it.
This is a surprisingly readbale account of the life of St Francis although it does have a bias slant given that it was written by a member of the Church and hundreds of years after his death when his reputation and respect within the Church well-established (to the point that the 266th pope took the name of Francis in his honour). It goes through Francis' early years and the events that led him to the church as well as his roles within the church itself and how he earned his sainthood. Overall a good read but one to be read with a pinch of salt if being read as a non-believer.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Chesterton's masterful biography of one of the most well known of all Catholic saints. Chesterton's writing is so beautiful, you almost feel like you are there with St. Francis on his road to becoming a humble man of God. A must read for all Christians. A true Christian classic.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
I'm still not a Chesterton fan, but this book has some redeeming qualities. There are basically two kinds of Chesterton in this book. The first kind is him telling an actual biographical exposition and narrative, and the second is him getting on philosophical soapboxes. The first is very nice. The second is as bad as Everlasting Man. I think this book does a great job at conveying a compelling and enthralling portrait of St. Francis. However, Chesterton feels the need to explain and overexplain about how the example of Francis means that everyone who opposes Chesterton is wrong. He also ends the book basically by saying that although Francis is a compelling example of Christ, we ought not concern ourselves with following it, and that the "core" of Franciscan teaching and the order must have been the part that could be subsumed and diluted under Catholic authority.