Twelve-Tribe Nations explores the symbolism and use of the number twelve in organizing ancient societies, connecting this sacred number with the twelve months of the year, the twelve signs of the zodiac, an ideal social order and a golden age of humanity.
Locating Francis in the feudal world of the 12th and 13th centuries and exploring the social and political changes taking place at the time, Le Goff assesses the dramatic influence of the saint on the medieval church and celebrates his role in the spiritual revival of the Catholic Church.