Anonymous 
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis 

“The Little Flowers of Saint Francis”, a collection of interesting and inspiring events in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, was written sometime in the 14th century by an anonymous Italian author influenced by the earlier Latin work, “Actus beati Francisci et sociorum eius”. Saint Francis died in 1226 and these stories of his life were compiled around a hundred years after his death. While not considered an accurate primary source for information on the life of the famous and important religious leader, it has been an immensely popular and influential account of his life and that of his followers, such as Brother Juniper. These glimpses into the life of Saint Francis contain entertaining anecdotes, beautiful miracles, and inspiring examples of a pious and faithful life. “The Little Flowers of Saint Francis” is a masterpiece of Italian literature of the Middle Ages and explains the enduring legacy of one of Christianity’s most important early figures. It is also full of wisdom and guidance for today’s faithful who seek a more spiritual life. This edition follows the translation of Thomas Okey.