In this magnificent and stirring novel, Louis de Wohl turns his famed narrative skill to the story of the soldier and merchant's son who might have been right-hand man to a king … and who became instead the most beloved of all saints. Set against the tempestuous background of 13th Century Italy and Egypt, here is the magnificent and inspiring story of Francis Bernardone, the brash, pleasure-loving young officer who was to become immortalized as St. Francis of Assisi.

The story teems with action, pageantry and intrigue with finely conceived characters-the beautiful, saintly Clare, Frederick, the hawk-faced King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor, the Sultan Al Kamil, Pope Innocent III. The scene shifts from Assisi, Rome and Sicily to the deadly sands of Egypt.

This book was made into a feature film by 20th Century Fox entitled Francis of Assisi, now available on video from Ignatius Press.

A new edition of a beloved book on Brother Francis of Assisi by internationally acclaimed illustrator and author of children's books, Tomie dePaola.

Among his many wonderful books on saints, this one fulfilled his lifelong ambition to bring the story of St. Francis to people of all ages and cultures. Drawing on his extensive artistic background, primary source material, and two trips to Assisi, he has made this dream come true with this volume.

While aimed at children ages 5 and up, it is suitable for all ages, telling the complete story of St. Francis in a simple and powerful style, with so many inspiring details of his humble life.

Illustrated with dePaola's inspiring and delicate artwork in deep earth tones watercolors.

Francis of Assisi, one of the most famous and beloved saints, comes to life for young people in this addition to The Life of a Saint series. With vivid, four-color pictures on every page, the book shows Francis becoming a brother and friend to all- lepers, the poor, and animals too.

The story begins with the saint's birth and joyful youth. After military service, imprisonment, and illness, Francis has a dramatic encounter with God. He then gives up everything - even the clothes on his back - in order to follow Jesus in poverty and humility.

Among the episodes in the life of Francis are the taming of the wolf of Gubbio and the first living Nativity scene. Also included is the conversion of Saint Clare, who was inspired by Francis to leave her life of luxury in order to give herself completely to the love of God.

This story from the popular Vision Books series of saints lives for youth 9 - 15 years old is about the inspiring life of the great missionary to the Far East, St. Francis Xavier. After his war torn boyhood in Navarre, Francis Xavier went to the University of Paris, determined to have a good time. He was interested in sports and became broad jumping champion of his college, and did not pay much attention to his studies. At first he scoffed at this fellow student, Ignatius Loyola, a former soldier who wanted to win the world for God. But Ignatius showed him that true champions are a far more heroic breed - those who risk their all to win the world for God. Francis joined Ignatius' followers, and became one of the first members of the Society of Jesus.

Francis Xavier was selected by Ignatius to do missionary work in India. To all sixteenth-century travelers, a voyage from Portugal to India meant months of deadly peril from storms, pirates, and diseases. But to Father Francis Xavier, it also meant a chance to win the Orient for Jesus Christ. This great saint's eagerness to spread the Word of God involved him with the pearl divers of the Indian coast, the natives of Malaya and the Spice Islands, the cannibals of Morotni and the hostile feudal lords of ancient Japan. This book captures the true spirit of a daring man who braved the many dangers of India and Japan in amazing adventures of courage and faith.

Illustrated

A Vision book containing the enthralling story of the great modern apostle of youth, Saint John Bosco, and his best-loved pupil who became a saint, Dominic Savio. Blessed with tremendous natural and supernatural gifts, including a wonderful sense of humor, Saint John Bosco overcame overwhelming obstacles to help deprived children find a better life.

Juggler, magician, acrobat, tailor, teacher and writer--John Bosco became all of these in his efforts to lead boys and girls to God. A prayer was the price of admission to his shows; a friendly contest to match skill or strength was his answer to the hoodlums who laughed at him. As a priest he was known as Don Bosco and built churches and schools.

Don Bosco's schools were cheerful places where the school spirit ran high. This story of Saint John Bosco and his pupil, Saint Dominic Savio, will appeal to the young readers of today.

Cover art by Chris Pelicano