Brother Francis; Or, Less than the Least

"Brother Francis; Or, Less than the Least" by Eileen Douglas is a chronicle of a man's journey from one of privilege to one of devout service. It follows Francis, a young man born into a wealthy family. Initially enjoying a life of luxury and pleasure, Francis experiences a profound spiritual awakening after facing illness and discontentment. This pivotal moment sparks a radical change where he rejects his comfortable past and embraces a life dedicated to serving God and the poor. The book traces his spiritual transformation, highlighting the conflict between his previous indulgence and his growing commitment to Christian values, and his establishment of a religious order. His experiences are presented in early 20th-century style with emphasis on themes of humility, faith, and self-sacrifice.