History is a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes or a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events. In this category you will find our history books - general surveys of history and books related to specific periods of history in the Church such as the Patristic Era or the Middle Ages.

"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity." Cicero

Louis de Wohl In this magnificent and stirring novel, Louis de Wohl turns his famed narrative skill to the story of the soldier and merchant's son who might have been right-hand man to a king … and who became instead the most beloved of all saints. Set against the tempestuous background of 13th Century Italy and Egypt, here is the magnificent and inspiring story of Francis Bernardone, the …

F. A. Forbes "Poor Don Bosco." It was a pity that such a good young priest was losing his mind. Why he was dreaming about future churches, vast playgrounds, lots of helpers and thousands of boys! Before things got out of hand, why not have him checked out at the lunatic asylum. Therefore, one morning two priests arrived at the Oratory to invite Fr. John Bosco for a drive. He agreed to go, but …

Josef Pieper One of the great philosophers of the 20th Century, Josef Pieper, gives a penetrating introduction and guide to the life and works of perhaps the greatest philosopher ever, St. Thomas Aquinas. Pieper provides a biography of Aquinas, an overview of the 13th century he lived in, and a wonderful synthesis of his vast writings. Pieper shows how Aquinas reconciled the pragmatic thought …

How did the American Catholic priesthood go from an image of wise, strong men like Spencer Tracy in Boys Town and Bing Crosby in Going My Way to an image of "pedophile priests"? In Goodbye, Good Men , investigative reporter Michael S. Rose provides the shocking answer that the mainstream news media have missed. He uncovers how radical liberalism, like that found on many college campuses, has …

"Crusade" means a war for the sake of the Cross, a war to protect Christian people from persecution and death on account of their faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone has heard of the crusades of the Middle Ages. But few know of the crusade in our own time, which living men still remember, fought for this same purpose only sixty years ago in Spain. In just six months of the year 1936, thirteen …

Stefan Heid Heid presents a penetrating and wide-ranging study of the historical data from the early Church on the topics of celibacy and clerical continence. He gives a brief review of recent literature, and then begins his study with the New Testament and follows it all the way to Justinian and the Council in Trullo in 690 it the East and the fifth century popes in the West. He thoroughly …

Please note that this is a "beta" guide and may change at a later date. This is the second volume of five books aimed at grades 5-9 to teach world history and geography. Produced with the absolute highest quality in design, color, illustrations, paper and bindings, this textbook project for Catholic schools employs the writing and editing talents of a group of highly qualified …

Pawel Zuchniewicz An instant best-seller when released in Europe in January, this powerful book describes the life and impact of John Paul II as told by individuals from all over the world who give moving testimonies how they experienced healings through the intercession of Pope John Paul II during his lifetime.  From little children to old age adults, including Cardinals, well-known lay …

Athanasius (c. 295-373), Bishop of Alexandria, spiritual master and theologian, was a major figure of 4th-century Christendom.  The Life of Antony is one of the foremost classics of asceticism.  The Letter to Marcellinus is an introduction to the spiritual sense of the Psalms.

No words of St. Joseph are recorded In Scripture. In fact, little mention is made of him there. Yet, despite these seeming limitations, the Church nonetheless possesses an indescribably rich knowledge of St. Joseph and of his cultus. This book will astound most readers both with its scope and with its profundity. Based mainly on Scripture, but supported also by Tradition and the depositions of …

"So you've decided to give in to the Devil" said the priest. John started back in dismay. "Oh no, Father!" "But you just told me you were giving up your studies for the priesthood," responded Father Bailey. What was poor John Vianney to do? Having begun his schooling much older than the other boys, he had found it impossible to keep up with them, and a couple of days ago he had been sent home …

 He said..., "So, could you not watch with me one hour?" (Mt 26:40). For centuries, Catholics have answered Christ's plea by placing themselves before His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Now, for the first time, the theological, historical, and psychological reasons for Eucharistic devotion are revealed. Unlike books that merely present the technical aspects of setting up Eucharistic …

John Paul II in the Holy Land: In His Own Words With Christian and Jewish Perspectives by Yehezkel Landau and Michael McGarry edited by Lawrence Boadt, C.S.P.,  and Kevin di Camillo Pope John Paul II was the undisputed leader in fostering Jewish-Christian dialogue for over 25 years. He labored intensely to change the hearts and minds of both sides and was never been afraid to apologize …

Floyd G. Cullop Reading level: Young Adult. Guides the student through a careful reading and near memorization of the Constitution, using a variety of study skills.

For the first time publicly the pontiff describes the moments after he was gravely wounded in 1981, saying he was fearful and in pain but had "a strange feeling of confidence" that he would live. This book is essentially a transcript of conversations he had in Polish with two of his closest friends--translated into English.

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;        Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end …

In a clear and easy-to-read style, author Amy Welborn honestly and objectively lays out the facts about ancient Christian teaching and history, and points out the many surprising errors about religion, history, and art contained in The Da Vinci Code This is a great resource for parishes and book clubs. Please call for bulk pricing.

Peggy Noonan The author brings her sharp observations, acute sensibility, warmth, and wit to the life of the pope and shows the personal effect his journey had upon her and millions of others. Written with heart and depth, this is at once a moving elegy and a brilliant celebration of a man whose life taught others how to live.

A one-of-a-kind anthology of the most significant and timeless writings of the Catholic Church from the first through the twentieth centuries. The Heart of Catholicism: Essential Writings of the Church from St. Paul to John Paul II is a font of inspiration and information for all Christians. Presented in historical order, the entries contain information about the authors as well as excerpts …

Louis de Wohl This is a stirring novel which deals reverently but realistically with the fascinating life and era of St. Augustine, one of the most remarkable men of all time. In his vigorous and inimitable style, Louis de Wohl tells the story of St. Augustine's transformation from a vain, sensual youth to the brilliant, devout writer and theologian - the man who conquered himself as …

Margherita Marchione Pope Pius XII continues to be the target of attacks by writers critical of his supposed failure to intervene decisively on behalf of the Jews during the time of the Nazi Holocaust. In this volume, Margherita Marchione sets the record straight. Backed by impressive research, Marchione surveys the role of the austere but politically savvy Pontiff during World War II. She …

Fr. Joseph Sicardo, O.S.A. For centuries St. Rita of Cascia has been one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church.  She is known as the "Saint of the Impossible" because of her amazing answers to prayer as well as the remarkable events of her own life. Here are the classic stories from her life:  the bees which attended her birth, her great early desire to be a nun, her …

New Perspectives: The Crusades Thomas J. Craughwell New Perspectives: The Crusades gives an honest, factual explanation of what the Church did wrong -- and right -- laying bare the series of events while providing cultural context of the world and the Church at that time.

Real history! The stories of real people for students in the elementary grades. Just as the Bible uses the stories of the Patriarchs, Judges, Prophets, and Kings to teach us, so we hope that our history units on Israel, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation will be useful in teaching your children about the traits God desires. The Greenleaf Guides and the …

These Apologetic Cards on the Early Church Fathers give a short biography of the Fathers and what teachings they are best known for.  The cards are color-coded by topic.  92 cards in set.

Very few people know that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote a major work on Joan of Arc. Still fewer know that he considered it not only his most important but also his best work. He spent twelve years in research and many months in France doing archival work and then made several attempts until he felt he finally had the story he wanted to tell. He reached his conclusion about Joan's unique …

Martha Rasmussen This book is a popular overview and study guide to the history of the Catholic Church. Written for non-scholarly readers with little historical background, it includes descriptions of society in different historical eras in order to make the history of the Church more understandable. The book avoids unnecessary names, dates, and scholarly disputes, but it explains important …

From the Loyola Classics series . . . "New editions of acclaimed Catholic novels."

Great Heresies is possibly the greatest book written by Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953), the famous Catholic historian, for here the author, calling upon his vast knowledge of history, outlines in simple terms for his readers, not only the meaning and influence of heresy against the Catholic Church, but the impact on the entire world of five of the greatest heresies of all time: Arianism, …

 These days Catholics and non-Catholics alike are asking, "How did the American Catholic priesthood go from an image of wise, strong men like Spencer Tracy in Boys Town and Bing Crosby in Going My Way , to an image of "pedophile priests"?" In the best-selling book Goodbye, Good Men , Catholic author and investigative reporter Michael S. Rose provides the shocking …

Catholic Schools Textbook Project This is the second volume of five books aimed at grades 5-9 to teach world history and geography. Produced with the absolute highest quality in design, color, illustrations, paper and bindings, this textbook project for Catholic schools employs the writing and editing talents of a group of highly qualified teachers, authors, editors and artists. This volume, …

The war in Ireland has spanned eight centuries, alternately blowing hot and cold, appearing at times to fade away, only to flare up more forcefully later on. According to the "experts" and the media pundits, the conflict is one of religion. But Chesterton reveals in Irish Impressions that at heart the problem is one of freedom. The Irish man wants to be master in his own home, speaking his own …

JOHN PAUL II Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) Photos by Giancarlo Giuliani This is a glorious volume from the new Pope Benedict XVI, who pays tribute to his predecessor, mentor and close friend, Pope John Paul II. As Cardinal Ratzinger he was the closest Vatican prelate to John Paul II, working together with him for almost 25 years in the Vatican. When John Paul died, the world saw …

Karl Adam The main reason we decided to republish this wonderful little book by Professor Karl Adam is that I wish someone had given it to me years ago when I was a young Lutheran or later when I was a Protestant pastor.  Like most Protestants, I understood the Reformation from only one perspective.  I had never truly considered, nor listened to, the Catholic side because I had never …

Pope Benedict XVI reflects on the Apostles, their teaching and the life of the early church. Pope Benedict's Wednesday General Audience series of talks on the 12 Apostles have been collected into this new single volume work. "Through the Apostles, we come to Jesus himself" --- Pope Benedict XVI In this fascinating and inspirational journey with the friends of Jesus, Pope …

The Da Vinci Code , Dan Brown’s best selling novel, purports to be more than fiction: it claims to be based on fact and scholarly research. Brown wants his readers to believe that he is revealing the long-concealed truth about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and early Christianity, a truth that he says has been suppressed by the malevolent and conspiratorial forces of the Catholic Church. The novel …

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;        Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end …

A relentless band of propagandists has convinced much of the world that Pope Pius XII and the Catholic Church, in the face of the great moral crisis of the twentieth century, were little more than Nazi lapdogs. The myth of “Hitler’s pope,” however, is grounded not in the facts of history but in the ideological agenda of Pius’s detractors. Given unprecedented access to …

Hilda van Stockum When Janna is suddenly summoned from Germany to join her actor parents in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, she is shocked by the Dutch hatred for the Germans. Her favorite Nordic tales and Hitler Youth indoctrination have not prepared her for the complexities of living in a house requisitioned by a military friend of her parents; or for the violence she sees on the streets. With her …

This new edition presents more material from more of the Fathers.  Also new with this edition is a section on selected Mothers of the Church, holy women from Christian antiquity.

Warren H. Carroll The French Revolution tore apart the Catholic Church in France, and the Reign of Terror claimed the lives of 40,000 innocent people in a matter of months. Now for the first time the story of the Terror of 1793-1794 is told as the dramatic clash between good and evil that it was. Includes the colossal story of Danton, the architect of the Terror, whose re-conversion to the …

"A boy just fell off his horse and broke his neck!" blurted out the messenger as he rushed into the room.  Dominic and the others listened to the dreadful news. The boy was Napoleon Orsini - and he was dead.  "Napoleon . . . my poor Napoleon . . ." moaned the boy's uncle. "Perhaps all is not lost," murmured Dominic, as if to himself. Dominic calmly proceeded to offer the Holy …

Legacy:  The 10 Greatest Achievements of Pope John Paul II (CD) Experience the Profound Impact this Pope had on our Church, our Lives, our World. No previous pope has affected humanity like John Paul II, and no other commentator has as complete a grasp of this great pope’s achievements as renowned Catholic scholar and author George Weigel. In this remarkable talk given in Lafayette, …

In this famous and surprising book, the great Catholic historian Hilaire Belloc gives the true and largely untold story which answers one of the most important historical questions in our civilization:  "How did Christendom suffer shipwreck?"  Showing that this momentous question is invisible to Protestant and secular historians, Belloc goes on to demonstrate that the Protestant …

Considered by many to be Chesterton's greatest masterpiece of all his writings, this is his whole view of world history as informed by the Incarnation. Beginning with the origin of man and the various religious attitudes throughout history, Chesterton shows how the fulfillment of all of man's desires takes place in the person of Christ and in Christ's Church. Chesterton propounds the thesis …

St. Gregory of Nyssa This great spiritual master of the fourth century was born as the general persecution of Christians was ending. One of the Greek Cappadocian Fathers (the other two were Gregory's brother, St. Basil the Great, and their mutual friend, St. Gregory Nazianzen), Gregory has come to be regarded increasingly as the most brilliant and subtle thinker and most profound mystical …

Longfellow's tribute to the famous revolutionary hero begins with a stirring cadence that American school children have committed to memory for over a century. Now illustrator Ted Rand brings these vivid and beautiful lines to life with rich, luminous paintings that are as dramatic as the poet's immortal message.

The history of the Catholic Church is an essential part of world history over the past two thousand years. This book, written for Christians and non-Christians alike, is meant for readers who are looking for a simple but not superficial introduction, which identifies the main thread, the salient features, of that history. "Aimed at the man in the street, it is by far the best work of its kind …

Lepanto is not only one of G.K. Chesterton's finest poems, it is one of the finest poems in the English language. It is an intricate tapestry of images, an evocative telling of history, and a masterpiece of rhyme and rhythm and alliteration. The battle of Lepanto was fought on Sunday, October 7, 1571, just south of the town of Lepanto (now Naupaktos), Greece, in the Gulf of Lepanto …

This book tells the moving story of Father Emil Kapaun, a chaplain from Kansas who served during the Korean War. He was captured by the North Koreans and died in prison at the age of 35. His cause for sainthood has been opened in his diocese.

André Frossard The famous French author's unique writing style captivates the reader with the heroic story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a modern apostle of Catholic evangelization, Marian spirituality, and a martyr of charity. With the encouragement of Pope John Paul II and the help of documentation (some unpublished) given to him by the Vatican, Frossard chronicles the dramatic and moving life …