Originally published in French in 1894, Sabatier’s was thefirst modern biography of Francis of Assisi. It was a worldwide bestseller, and in 2003 when this new edition was first published, it again sold more than 60,000 copies and was a selection of History Book Club.

This new 120th anniversary edition includes a dozen additional annotations and a new preface by the editor, putting Sabatier’s influential work into its historical context, showing why it is still the most essential life of the saint.

"This new and updated edition . . . is nothing short of astonishing in its power to touch the heart and revive the soul."
—St. Anthony Messenger

"This book brings forth this popular saint in a way in which we come to know him more intimately than ever before. Everyone touched by this ’perpetual outsider’ will want to read it."
—M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.

"The Road to Assisi . . . offers an excellent introduction to the text, helpful sidebars and notes, and fascinating illustrations, [aiding readers] in engaging ’personally with Francis, the human being."’
—Publishers Weekly

"Paul Sabatier’s groundbreaking 1894 biography Vie de S. Fran_ois d’Assise is essential reading for anyone interested in the life and times of the great charismatic of Assisi. The Road to Assisi offers a clear and temperate introduction to Sabatier’s passionate, often controversial engagement with the radical life and message of St. Francis. Highly recommended."
—Valerie Martin, author of Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis

"Today, under the editorial guidance of Sweeney, this balanced, longout-of-print work is again in the hands of readers." —Library Journal "Sabatier’s 19th century biography still reads like the classic it is. One could hardly ask for a better combination to introduce Francis to a larger public."
—Mark Galli, author of Francis and His World and managing editor for Christianity Today

"[This] remarkable new publication from Paraclete Press has something to say to you . . . a refreshing and eye-opening work."
—The Episcopal New Yorker

"The Road to Assisi presents Sabatier’s biography for today’s reader. With helpful explanations and annotations by Jon M. Sweeney, Sabatier’s narrative is supplemented with the insights of many other scholars and writers."
—The Presbyterian Outlook