James Cowan lived in Italy for three years walking in the footsteps of Francis, following his journeys, breathing his air and sleeping in his caves and grottoes. He discovered a man who, in a sense, de-institutionalised the medieval Church, who represented a mystical Christian tradition and stood up to leaders and theologians and all the great citadels of monastic influence This attempt to enter into the spirit of Francis as also a celebration of Italy and its ability to inspire the imagination.