This lecture presents the radical nature of St. Francis’ calling within the context of rapidly changing medieval Italian society. Dr. Fabian looks at some of the earliest texts that tried to describe his life and ideas and some of the ways in which those early biographers were overwhelmed by their task. The lecture also examines the emerging world of greedy, powerful, merchant cities that are the background to Francis' life of poverty and humility. Above all, Dr. Fabian looks at the wealthy son who cast aside the world to embrace the suffering Christ.