7Born in Twelfth Century Italy, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone grew up a headstrong child of privilege, fought ruthlessly as a soldier, was held as a prisoner of war, and eventually emerged on the world-stage as an inspiration to millions around the world. Price traces the spiritual evolution of an ordinary man who strives to realize the extraordinary within himself and brings the legend of St. Francis to life with all of the violence and action, romance and intrigue of its time--and of the tumultuous times in which we find ourselves today.