Books by Christian Bobin

Why have we come to revere Francis of Assisi, a simple thirteenth-century Italian merchant''s son, as a saint? Why has his appeal endured over eight hundred years and even expanded beyond the world of Catholicism to make him one of the most beloved religious figures of all time? This penetrating meditation on Francis''s life gently but sure-handedly cuts through every pious legend to uncover what is timeless and universally true about him. Christian Bobin''s unexpected and thoroughly original work presents a compelling image of a man whose power is found in humility, whose radical casting aside of wealth, honor, and even personal identity is inseparable from his overwhelming intimacy with God. Poetic, luminous, utterly hypnotic, The Very Lowly is a unique modern variation on the saint''s life that will entrance everyone, whether "religious" or—almost especially—not.

Christian Bobin is one of the most prolific and best-selling inspirational writers in France. His 'lyric essays', neither prose nor poetry, utilise a limited vocabulary manipulated with the precision of a watchmaker. Bobin often obtains his effects through startling juxtapositions of the ordinary, aimed straight at the heart and not without the intention of drawing blood. Prevalent themes in his work include the natural world, the perspectives of the very old and the very young, and the distilled wisdom of his contemplative Catholic faith. A lifelong sufferer from 'persuasive melancholy', Bobin mines the narrow seam of joy and wonder in the dank rock face of depression, and writing has been the tool he has employed to chip it out. The Eighth Day comprises - in an original English translation - a superb collection of Bobin's writings from the last 30 years. A guaranteed best-selling author in France - his books can sell up to 200,000 copies per edition - he is an inspirational writer yet to be discovered in the English-speaking world.This anthology is designed to introduce him to a new readership, and includes fresh introductions to each chapter by translator and compiler Pauline Matarasso.