THE SEVEN MIRACLES OF GUBBIO

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 4, 1948

One of these odd little books for a plus sale, rather precious and limited in general appeal. The Wolf of Gubbio is one of the Saint Francis stories that has lived in its retelling by the devout believers. The people of Gubbio were terrified by the degradations of a voracious wolf and called upon Saint Francis to aid them. With the power of his control over creatures of the wild, he gentled the wolf, and made a solemn covenant with him, promising him- in its observance- the gift of seven miracles. For a time the wolf was revered, and when he brought to beauty the deformed daughter of one of the citizens, he came under the power of her demands, and sacrificed two of his miracles to her whims. With only one left, he saved it, reverting instead to his wolfish character to help his people defeat their enemies. And then the people, too, reverted- and turned against him- only to have him use the final miracle to waft himself away to his ancient woods, there to approach death alone. But at the end, he crept back to Gubbio, and died, lying beside the creche, which contained the scene in the manger.

Pub Date: Nov. 4, 1948

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Whittlesey

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1948

Categories: FICTION