This short, beautifully illustrated volume serves as an inviting introduction to St. Francis of Assisi through one of his most beloved works, the Canticle of the Creatures. As G. K. Chesterton observed, the Canticle is a “supremely characteristic work,” so rich with Francis’s spirit that much of his life and character can be discerned from it alone. For newcomers to Francis, the Canticle provides a perfect entry point; for Franciscans—especially members of the Secular Franciscan Order—it offers a valuable resource for formation, reflection, and group discussion.
While much has been written about the Canticle in multiple languages, this book approaches it in a fresh way by grounding its meaning in Scripture, which was always Francis’s primary source. Though the Canticle contains no explicit biblical quotations, it is permeated with the imagery, themes, and worldview of the Old and New Testaments. John Watts highlights how Francis, steeped in Scripture, shaped the poem as a free and prayerful outpouring deeply rooted in the biblical tradition.
This edition provides a new English translation alongside the original Umbrian text, allowing readers to appreciate the rhythm, texture, and poetic movement of Francis’s composition. Set within its historical and literary context, the book offers both accessibility and depth, making it a valuable guide for anyone seeking to understand the heart of Franciscan spirituality.
About the Author
John Watts, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, began writing after retiring from a career in teaching. He has published works of history, biography, and fiction, including the children’s book The Creatures of Number 37, also from Gracewing. He is married, has six children and ten grandchildren, and lives in Addiewell, a former mining village in West Lothian, Scotland.
