For six centuries this text, so vital to the Christian communities that had been touched by the life of Saint Francis, has never been published into a modern language. This landmark translation brings The Book of Conformity to today's reader in a beautiful English translation. The original author, Bartholomew of Pisa, divided his large work into what he called three "Books". Manifestation, Book I, concerns the Incarnation, the Nativity and the early life of Jesus, with corresponding similaritites to be found in the early years of Francis's life. Book II, Proclamation, concerns the years of the public ministry of Jesus, his preaching and healing, calling of disciples, travels from one place to another, with similar events in the life of Francis. Book III, Exaltation, concerns the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension/Glorification of Christ, and the events of Francis's last days, his illnesses and suffering, his receiving of the stigmata, his death, canonization, and the miracles attributed to him as a heavenly intercessor. Together the Book of Conformity represents the highest point of medieval glorification of the figure of St. Francis. For the student of Franciscan literature, The Conformity is an indispensable reference work. A fitting conclusion to the highly regarded Francis of Assissi Early Documents Series.
