Francis of Assisi

G K Chesterton

To this great mystic his religion was not a thing like a theory but a thing like a love affair.

In typical jester-like form, Chesterton doesn't so much review Francis' life in this book as he uses Francis to make piercing insights into the modern world and how it has changed in the last thousand years. There were perhaps a few points where I began to wonder if I could patiently handle any more complete logical reversals--a trick which Chesterton is too adept at--but if you do not allow his almost overly-witty style to hinder your mind from floating about, the read will be rewarding.
If for no other reason, read this book to catch the heart of Saint Francis. While Chesterton does not focus on Francis as a biographer would, he does focus on him as a friend would. He tried not so much to peer into his mind or psychology as he does his spirit--and I believe Chesterton achieves at least a little of this.
And in the process we find that Chesterton reveals a good deal of what is in his own spirit, something any self-respecting Christian would be happy to get the chance to mull over. There are numerous, tiny gems of spiritual insight which will catch your eye as you pass through these pages. Hopefully in doing so they will trip up your mind long enough to let your heart forget many of the lunacies of our day. And you might also find a good deal of revolutionary thought within the cover of this book--not revolutionary as the word is fashionably used, but revolutionary as the word really means.
Take the time to read this book and you'll definitely gain some respect for Saint Francis, perhaps even a little understanding of Chesterton, and who knows, you might even find that some of the things you took to be true enough to not need consideration are actually the most rotted parts of your mind. 8/10