The Coming of the Friars
1649
The Coming of the Friars, published in 1649 by Augustus Jessopp, is a historical account examining the rise of the Franciscan and Dominican orders in medieval Europe. The book focuses on their societal and ecclesiastical influence during the 13th century, highlighting key figures such as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic. Jessopp discusses the social upheaval of the time, the need for renewal in Christian practice, and the distinct roles of friars versus monks. This work provides insight into the transformative mission of these religious orders against the backdrop of medieval life and crises, including the Black Death.
About The Coming of the Friars
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Traces the origins of the Franciscan and Dominican orders in the early 13th century, focusing on St. Francis's transformation from merchant to religious reformer and St. Dominic's scholarly approach to combating heresy. Describes their arrival and establishment in England.
- II
- A detailed examination of medieval rural life based on manuscript evidence from Rougham, Norfolk. Describes social structures, daily life, crime, and the harsh realities of 14th-century village existence.
- III
- Explores the structure, daily routines, and social dynamics of Benedictine monasteries in the 13th century, examining their role as centers of learning and their relationship with secular society.
Key Themes
- Religious Reform and Renewal
- The book explores how religious movements arise in response to corruption and spiritual hunger, particularly through the Franciscan and Dominican orders' different approaches to reform.
- Poverty vs. Wealth in Religious Life
- A central tension between the accumulation of wealth by established monasteries and the voluntary poverty embraced by the friars as a path to spiritual authenticity.
- Social Change and Historical Progress
- Jessopp examines how medieval society evolved, arguing against romanticizing the past while showing genuine progress in living conditions and social organization.
Characters
- St. Francis of Assisi(protagonist)
- The central figure of the first essay, a young Italian merchant who became a religious reformer and founded the Franciscan order. Born Giovanni Bernardone, he embraced poverty and preaching to the masses.
- St. Dominic(major)
- Spanish religious reformer who founded the Dominican order. Older than Francis, he focused on combating heresy through preaching and scholarship rather than poverty.
- Augustus Jessopp(protagonist)
- The author and narrator of these essays, a Victorian clergyman and historian who provides scholarly analysis of medieval life and institutions.
- Abbot Joachim(minor)
- Medieval mystic who prophesied catastrophic events and influenced King Richard. Represented the apocalyptic thinking of his age.
- King Richard (Lion-hearted)(minor)
- English king who consulted Abbot Joachim about prophecies while at Messina during the Crusades.
