The Friars, The: A History of the British Medieval Friars Kenneth Rowlands
The medieval friar, an innovation of the Christian church in the thirteenth century began a time of spiritual renewal in the flagging religious establishment across Europe with a compelling combination of administrative flair and missionary zeal. Kenneth Rowland's appealing history shows how men of religious conviction, intellectuals, good honest men, even erratic and rather odd people, became friars - sometimes giving up considerable wealth and social position to minister to the sick and poor.