Thomas of Celano was an Italian Franciscan friar, poet, and historian who lived from approximately 1185 to 1260. Born into a noble family in Celano, he joined the Order of Friars Minor and served in various leadership roles, including acting as a vicar for the German province. He is most famous for his historical writings regarding the life of Francis of Assisi, having authored three distinct hagiographies that documented the early experiences and miracles of the founder of his order.