BOOKS | CHILDREN | BOOK LIST
TRAIN SATIRE | HARARI | PRECHT
ASSISI | HEARTACHE DOODLE
HUMOR LIBRARY | BESTIARY
I transformed Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun into a newly illustrated edition. Published in Spanish as El Cántico del Sol by Barbara Fiore Editora, the project coincides with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death in 2026.
This edition features the original 13th-century Umbro text alongside a lyrical Spanish translation, complemented by full-page illustrations. The work explores the connection between humanity and nature, conveying the central messages of humility and peace.
As an edition of the world’s oldest written document in the Italian language, the book aims to translate this historical text into a contemporary visual medium, appealing to readers interested in spirituality, poetry, and high-quality illustrated literature.
per lo quale a le tue creature dài sustentamento.
Alabado seas, mi Señor, por hermano viento y por el aire, y por las nubes, el sereno y todo tiempo,
por los cuales das sustento a tus criaturas.
EL CÁNTICO DEL SOL:
UNA EDICIÓN ILUSTRADA
He transformado el Cántico del Sol de San Francisco de Asís en una nueva edición ilustrada. Publicado en español por Barbara Fiore Editora, el proyecto coincide con el 800º aniversario de la muerte de San Francisco en 2026.
Esta edición presenta el texto original en umbro del siglo XIII junto a una traducción poética lírica, complementada con ilustraciones a página completa. La obra explora la conexión entre la humanidad y la naturaleza, transmitiendo los mensajes centrales de humildad y paz.
Como una edición del documento escrito más antiguo en lengua italiana, el libro tiene como objetivo trasladar este texto histórico a un medio visual contemporáneo, resultando atractivo para los lectores interesados en la espiritualidad, la poesía y la literatura ilustrada de alta calidad.
ASSISI, FRANCIS,
AND THE DAWN OF ITALIAN
The picturesque town of Assisi, nestled in the heart of Umbria, is globally renowned as the home of Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, known as Francesco d’Assisi, who died there in 1226. Its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, including the Basilica of San Francesco, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
e l’honore et onne benedictione.
Altísimo, omnipotente, buen Señor, tuyas son las alabanzas, la gloria
y el honor y toda bendición.
Francis and his contemporary, Dante Alighieri, were revolutionaries who challenged the millennium-long dominance of Latin. Francis chose to write in the Umbrian dialect, while Dante wrote in the Tuscan dialect. This pivotal move made texts accessible to a broader audience, marking the beginning of a new era for Italian literature. This break with Latin was remarkable, especially considering that Latin liturgies continued in the Catholic Church until 1965.
A LIFE OF HUMILITY
AND THE BIRTH OF A POEM
Born into a wealthy merchant family, Francis renounced his privileged life after a traumatic experience as a prisoner of war. He chose voluntary poverty, founded the Franciscan Order, and dedicated his life to bridging social divides and proclaiming God’s love.
For Francis, writing was an expression of deep spirituality found primarily in nature. His most significant work, “Cantico delle creature” (known as the Canticle of the Sun), is considered the oldest written document in the Italian language.
et humile et pretiosa et casta.
Alabado seas, mi Señor, por hermana agua, la cual es muy útil,
humilde, preciosa y casta.
According to tradition, the Canticle was composed in the winter of 1224/25, when Francis was severely ill and nearly blind. Despite his agonizing eye ailment—which required the pressing of glowing irons into his eyes without anesthesia—Francis found joy and gratitude in a divine revelation. He dictated the hymn of praise, extolling God for the beauty of creation, seeing the elements like the sun and fire as “brothers” and “sisters.”
LEGACY AND UNIVERSAL MESSAGE
The Canticle of the Sun is a song or prayer in free verse, permeated by a deep connection to nature and humble gratitude. Its core message is Francis’s recognition that all creation—sun, moon, water, and even death—reflects divine goodness and exists only to praise God.
da la quale nullu homo vivente pò skappare.
Alabado seas, mi Señor, por nuestra hermana muerte corporal,
de la cual ningún hombre viviente puede escapar.
The poem’s influence grew far beyond the Franciscan community. Even 800 years later, its message remains profoundly relevant in a world threatened by global crises. One does not need to be religious to appreciate Francis’s universal demands: respect for nature, sustainability, human responsibility, and humility towards creation. This timeless legacy keeps the memory of Francis of Assisi alive as a role model for humanity.