Acclaimed biographer Donald Spoto strips away the legends from the life of Francis of Assisi to reveal the true story of a man who has too often been obscured by pious iconography. Drawing on unprecedented access to unexplored archives, plus Francis's own letters, Spoto places Francis within the context of the multifaceted ecclesiastical, political, and social forces of medieval Italy, casting new light on Francis and showing how his emphasis on charity as the heart of the Gospel's message helped him pioneer a new social movement. This nuanced portrait reveals the multifaceted character of a man who can genuinely be said to have changed the course of history.

Acclaimed biographer Donald Spoto strips away the legends from the life of Francis of Assisi to reveal the true story of a man who has too often been obscured by pious iconography. Drawing on unprecedented access to unexplored archives, plus Francis's own letters, Spoto places Francis within the context of the multifaceted ecclesiastical, political, and social forces of medieval Italy, casting new light on Francis and showing how his emphasis on charity as the heart of the Gospel's message helped him pioneer a new social movement. This nuanced portrait reveals the multifaceted character of a man who can genuinely be said to have changed the course of history.

The killing of a greyhound breeder and rumors of election fraud during the mayoral race in small-town West Texas has Chief of Police Josie Gray searching for answers. "Fields’s excellent seventh Josie Gray mystery . . . does a masterly job evoking the dry, dusty Lone Star landscape"- Publishers Weekly Starred Review Mayoral elections are looming in Artemis. One of the candidates, Mike Striker, wants to build a racetrack while the incumbent mayor, Simon O'Kane, is strongly opposed. The proposal has divided the town: will it provide jobs and money, or will it bring crime and does it profit from animal cruelty? Tensions rise as a greyhound breeder has a number of her dogs stolen - she vows vengeance, only to soon be found dead herself. Meanwhile, fears of election fraud circulate. Is there truth behind the rumors of election rigging? Who stands to gain the most from the racetrack being built? Are animal rights activists taking matters too far? Josie Gray, Chief of Police in Artemis, must discover who is willing to kill for their cause before others in the town get caught in the crossfire - all while a gathering threat from Mexico City hovers over her.

A timely portrait of John Henry Newman, whose beatification is set for September 2010, dealing with his exceptional intellect And The sensational events surrounding him.

"In this biography, Patrick Streiff, himself a Swiss theologian, traces Fletcher's development as a Christian, a pastor and a theologian, and gives a perceptive account of the inward and outward conflicts which marked his ministry. Based on thorough research in the primary sources, it draws from more than 150 letters written by Fletcher which were completely or partly unknown before, and publishes for the first time theological notes written by Fletcher in his last years. The treatment that emerges is the most complete and authoritative available in English, and relates its subject to the wider historical and philosophical challenges of the day." --Book Jacket.

Almost every grown person remembers with tender sadness, the year he found out who Santa Claus was. Because, after that Christmas, no Christmas was ever the same again, nor was anything else.

A new blockbuster from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen now available in paperback! Sydney's handsome, charismatic older brother, Peyton, has always dominated the family, demanding and receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention. And when Peyton's involvement in a drunk driving episode sends him to jail, Sydney feels increasingly rootless and invisible, worried that her parents are unconcerned about the real victim: the boy Peyton hit and seriously injured. Meanwhile, Sydney becomes friends with the Chathams, a warm, close-knit, eccentric family, and their friendship helps her understand that she is not responsible for Peyton's mistakes. Once again, the hugely popular Sarah Dessen tells an engrossing story of a girl discovering friendship, love, and herself. "This summer I'm looking forward to reading Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen."--John Green "The name Sarah Dessen has become synonymous with Young Adult contemporary fiction."--Entertainment Weekly Sarah Dessen is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contributions to YA literature, as well as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Books by Sarah Dessen: That Summer Someone Like You Keeping the Moon Dreamland This Lullaby The Truth About Forever Just Listen Lock and Key Along for the Ride What Happened to Goodbye The Moon and More Saint Anything Once and for All

This eBook edition of " The Reluctant Dragon" has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. A young boy discovers an erudite, poetry-loving dragon living in the Downs above his home. The two become friends, but soon afterwards the dragon is discovered by the townsfolk, who send for St George to rid them of it. The boy introduces St George to the dragon, and the two decide that it would be better for them not to fight. Eventually, they decide to stage a fake joust between the two combatants.