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Secondary sourceBook1727 (this edition 1917)

The Life and Legends of Saint Francis of Assisi

Candide Chalippe · 1727 (this edition 1917)

An 18th-century biography of Francis of Assisi, later translated and reprinted, blending history with traditional miracle legends.

A long-standing Franciscan biography recounting the life and miracle legends of Francis of Assisi.

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About this source

What it is

This book, written by Father Candide Chalippe, was first published in Paris in 1727 and later translated from French and reissued in the early 20th century. It tells the life of Francis of Assisi and recounts various miracle stories associated with him.

Why it matters

This biography reflects how Franciscan friars preserved and passed down stories about their founder over centuries, mixing historical detail with religious legend. It shows how the memory of Francis was shaped by his followers long after his death.

Look closer

  • Why might Franciscan friars want to record miracle stories about their founder?
  • How can you tell which parts of a biography are historical fact and which are legend?
  • What does the long popularity of this book tell us about Francis's lasting reputation?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Francis on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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