Despite a long tradition of historical research focused on their origins and development, the Franciscans remain an enigmatic phenomenon to this day. Based on its founder's exceptional charisma, the Order experienced an unprecedented expansion in Europe and beyond from the 13th century onwards.
The fifteen articles in this volume offer important insights into the wide range of the friars' activities which ensured the Order's strong impact on all levels of medieval and early modern society. Covering regional as well as more general themes, among them facets of the friars' ministry and their intellectual contributions, the volume offers important explanations for the community's success and endurance.
Contributors are Stefan Acatrinei, Matthew Beckmann, Alvaro Cacciotti, Anna Campbell, Michael F. Cusato, Sophie Delmas, Timothy J. Johnson, Peter Murray Jones, Annette Kehnel, Benedikt Mertens, Colmán Ó Clabaigh, Bert Roest, Jens Röhrkasten, Christian Steer, and Patrick Zutshi.
