Includes bibliographical references.

The Offreduccio family -- The Bernardone family -- Education and encounter -- Midnight exodus -- Penitent and pilgrim -- Stone by stone -- Rebuilding the church -- Rome speaks -- Weaving a way of life -- A seal upon the heart -- Companions signed by the cross -- The death of Francis -- Holding fast to the life -- Agnes of Prague -- Elias of Cortona -- Miracles and marvelous protection -- Penitential practices -- Teaching and writing -- Jesus crucified, the mirror -- The final decade -- The bond of perfection -- Weaving with words -- The death of Clare -- From sister to Saint.

"This book will introduce St. Clare of Assisi to those who do not know her and those who wish to know her better. It leads the reader from Clare's birth to her death. While taking account of modern scholarship, Sr. Margaret Carney tells the story of this medieval woman in a way readers today can understand"--