The Mirror of Perfection has long been known as one of the most vivid collections of stories about St Francis of Assisi. It has been widely recognized by students of Franciscan sources that most of the stories it contains survive in the form in which they were originally written by Brother Leo and his colleagues, St Francis's intimate companions. These comprise the most attractive and refreshing account of the saint that we possess. They are here published in Latin in their original form, with a critical English text and introduction. Also included is Leo's other work, the Life of St Francis's third disciple, Brother Giles of Assisi.

First published in 1970, a corrected reprint of this edition is now available. It incorporates corrections to the text, and a discussion of work published on the subject since the book first appeared.