The friars : the impact of the early mendicant movement on Western society

"The mendicant friars of the Franciscan and Dominican orders played a unique and important role in medieval society. In the early thirteenth century, the Church was being challenged by a confident new secular culture, associated with the growth of towns, the rise of literature and articulate laity, the development of new sciences and the creation of the first universities. The mendicant orders which developed around the charismatic figures of Saint Francis of Assisi (founder of the Franciscans) and Saint Dominic of Osma (founder of the Dominicans) confronted this challenge by encouraging preachers to go out into the world to do God's work, rather than retiring into enclosed monasteries. C.H. Lawrence here analyses the origins and growth of these orders, as well as the impact which they had upon the medieval world - in the areas of politics and education as well as religion. His study is essential reading for all scholars and students of medieval history."--Bloomsbury Publishing Ch. 1. The Medieval Church In Crisis -- Ch. 2. St Francis Of Assisi And The Origins Of The Friars Minor -- Ch. 3. The Growth Of The Friars Minor, Crisis And Change -- Ch. 4. St Dominic And The Order Of Friars Preachers -- Ch. 5. New Brethren -- Ch. 6. The Mission To The Towns -- Ch. 7. The Capture Of The Schools -- Ch. 8. The Complaint Of The Clergy -- Ch. 9. In The Houses Of Kings -- Ch. 10. In The Service Of The Papacy -- Ch. 11. Afar Unto The Gentiles -- Epilogue: Loss And Gain C.h. Lawrence. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The mendicant friars of the Franciscan and Dominican orders played a unique role in medieval society. The mendicant orders which developed then confronted a rising secular challenge.C.H Lawrence analyses their growth and impact upon the medieval world.