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

John Henry Cardinal Newman This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other …

John Henry Cardinal Newman This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other …

The eleven volumes of Augustine’s Sermons to the People, translated by Fr. Edmund Hill (1990-1997) in clear contemporary English, showcase Augustine the brilliant speaker and engaging preacher of the Word. They have proven an indispensable resource for contemporary scholars, who laud Hill’s expert translation and extensive notes. But professors have clamored for an affordable …

I n this book, which is pivotal to his historical insights, the great Catholic historian Hilaire Belloc answers the question: "What made Europe?" He was well aware of the theory that Europe grew out of the ruins of the Roman Empire, was rejuvenated by barbarian blood, and came into its own with the Protestant Reformation. It was to expose this fantasy and present the true story that he wrote …

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 …

Facts About Luther Msgr. Patrick F. O'Hare A popular exposé of his life and work, based on Protestant historians. Incredible history; fascinating, damning evidence about him that is quite contrary to the popular image. Many quotes from his own mouth. Essential history!

Margaret Bunson Stephen Bunson The New World was not a desolate landscape but the homeland of a vast native population. The arrival of the white Europeans signaled the end of the Native American lifestyles and trible aspirations in many regions. Explorers, adventurers, military expeditions, and colonists swarmed over the land, but they were followed by a different breed of men and women - …

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 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 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 …

      "Some in the Church dismiss the abuse scandal as “old news.” It isn’t. To understand the scandal’s still-unaddressed causes and grasp the magnitude of its aftershocks, Phil Lawler’s unflinching account is essential reading." George Neumayr Editor, Catholic World Report   "Faithful Departed is a compelling pathology report …

One American Jesuit was there when Lenin and Stalin disemboweled Christian Russia. Now, his towering masterpiece is back, after 75 years.  When Fr. Edmund Walsh, SJ, first crossed from Latvia into Soviet Russia on the night of March 21, 1922, the Russian people were suffering an appalling famine engineered by their Communist masters.  As director of the papal relief effort, Fr. Walsh …

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 …

Fr. Marquette and the Great River August Derleth Vision Books This Vision book for youth 9-15 years old tells the thrilling story of one of America's greatest missionaries who came down from Canada with explorer Louis Joliet to explore the mighty Mississippi River, the "great river" bordered by savage Indian tribes who killed white men on sight. Of the few who had dared explore this immense …

Book  Description "Let us now devote our attention to the Apostolic Fathers, that is, to the first and second generations in the Church subsequent to the Apostles. And thus, we can see where the Church's journey begins in history." - Pope Benedict XVI The Fathers of the Church exhorted believers in the face of persecution while fighting heresies and misunderstandings. They …

    Unlock the knowledge of our Church Fathers. They fought the first culture wars. They died for our faith. Honor their memory as we walk in their footsteps. Long established as an indispensable reference tool for clergy, seminarians, RCIA candidates, and lay Catholics, The Fathers of the Church has become the standard introduction to the great teachers of early Christianity. Newly …

As we, Christians of the twenty first century, study the Fathers of the Church, their writings (often in an unreadable English produced by clumsy translators) appear to us as foreboding, verbose, and somewhat closed within a world where theological contemplation replaces everyday reality. The Greek Fathers in particular have this reputation among students because they wrote relatively little …

Charles Rossiter Three of the founding fathers defend their revolutionary charter--the Constitution of the United States--in these essays. Based on the original McLean edition of 1788, this edition includes copies of the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. Original.

Translated by Sr. Nonna Verna Harrison In the Orthodox Church St Gregory of Nazianzus (ca. 329 ca. 390) is known as the Theologian, a title he shares only with the Evangelist John. As one of the three Cappadocian fathers, together with his colleagues SS Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, his reputation and influence in the Byzantine world as both theologian and rhetor are unsurpassed in …

By a Jesuit Professor of Religion at the University of Notre Dame. (Imprimatur 1950). The brevity and conciseness with which the author presents this subject of vast importance will win a great multitude of readers; for this booklet is a capital illustration of the old Latin phrase, multum in parvo-—much in little space. It deserves millions of readers. If man has an eternal destiny, God must …

First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787) Their History and Theology by Rev. Leo D. Davis, S.J. This unique work—no other work yet available in English treats this subject—illustrates the contribution of these Councils in the development and formulation of Christian beliefs. It then shows how their legacies lingered throughout the centuries to inspire—or haunt—every …

Hugh Ross Williamson Illustrated by Clare Leighton This book tells the story of the coming of Christianity to the English-speaking world and features the beautiful legend of the flowering hawthorn that blossoms every Christmas. Hugh Ross Williamson relates, with charm and understanding, the story of the flowering hawthorn and Glastonbury. He tells of St. Joseph of Arimathea, who lowered Jesus …

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 …

The renowned historian Christopher Dawson devoted his long and brilliant career to precisely the kind of historical research of which theologians and churchmen stand in great need, particularly if they are to meet the authentic demands of this ecumenical era. Dawson’s book traces the formation of Christian culture from its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition through the rise and the …

The first volume in the landmark six volume series which deals with the life of Christ and the founding of His Church, along with the preparations for His coming among both Israelites and Gentiles, and a survey of history up to the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine. This is Christian history that both informs and inspires— written in a style of unmatched quality. This …

Pambo, Evagrius, Macarius of Egypt and Macarius of Alexandria, the four fathers presented in this volume, were well-known in Alexandria and Lower Egypt some 1600 years ago. Their lives, brought to fame by Palladius' Lausiac History, provide valuable insight into the Egyptian monastic communities of the fourth century and into the saintly tradition of the Coptic Church. This volume serves as a …

Rod Bennett What was the early Church like? Contrary to popular belief, Rod Bennett shows there is a reliable way to know. Four ancient Christian writers—four witnesses to early Christianity —left us an extensive body of documentation on this vital subject, and this book brings their fascinating testimony to life for modern believers. With all the power and drama of a gripping …

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, …

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 …

A complete course in Catholicism by the well-known editor of Homiletic and Pastoral Review.

A complete course in Catholicism by the well-known editor of Homiletic and Pastoral Review.

A complete course in Catholicism by the well-known editor of Homiletic and Pastoral Review.

G.K. Chesterton This volume contains three of Chesterton's greatest classics on Catholic philosophy and spirituality. It includes The Everlasting Man , possibly his greatest work, which gives an Incarnational view of world history, and two of the finest biographies written of St. Thomas and St. Francis. Sewn Softcover

G.K. Chesterton This volume contains three of Chesterton's greatest classics on Catholic philosophy and spirituality. It includes The Everlasting Man , possibly his greatest work, which gives an Incarnational view of world history, and two of the finest biographies written of St. Thomas and St. Francis. Sewn Hardcover

Meet the medical researcher (born in 129 A.D.) whose work and writings would be revered as a standard of authority by both Christian and Muslim worlds for the next 1300 years. One day some of Galen's theories of human physiology would be corrected. But the foundation of his work, a respect for the unity of the human person in body and spirit, would be handed on - as he himself had received it …

A succinct, up-to-date and chronological history of the 21 general councils, along with their major tasks, achievements and failures, and their impact on their times and ours.

St.  Gerard Majella, the Wonder-Worker and "Patron of Expectant Mothers," is a major, major Saint of the Catholic Church. Though he died of tuberculosis at only 29 and though he was only a lay brother, he achieved great sanctity, such that his religious superiors attested that he had not only not committed any mortal sins, but that they could not detect that he had ever been …

Fr. Michael McHugh, S.J. Illustrated by Charles L. Dougherty (Imprimatur 1958). This is the story of the missionary experiences of Fr. de Smet among the American Indians from 1838 to 1875. Includes all the exciting and history making stories of Indian conversions, Indian wars, natural dangers, hunger, torture, gold discoveries, peace-making, the Civil War, etc., including Custer’s last stand. …

Want to learn more about the Early Church Fathers but find the whole task daunting? This very accessible book will help as it provides a great starting point. In recent years there has been a growing awareness among lay people of the importance of Tradition within the Catholic Church. A primary source of this Tradition is the collection of what the Fathers of the Church had to say in Her …

The third of Dr. Warren H. Carroll's fully documented history of Christendom presents the glory of the High Middle Ages, the age of united and triumphant Christendom: the flowering of Christian civilization which produced saints and heroes, Popes, kings and queens, philosophers, and architects whose achievements glow like beacons across the centuries.

During his years as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, well-known Vatican prelate Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger has given three in-depth interviews. The first two interviews have become bestselling books: The Ratzinger Report and Salt of the Earth. Because of the tremendous reception those books received, the Cardinal agreed to do another interview with journalist Peter …

Lorenzo Albacete, a close friend of Pope John Paul II, physicist, and New York Times columnist, shows that religion has a place amid conversations on science and contemporary culture. With humor and honesty, Albacete answers questions about life and death, good and evil, science and religion, religion and politics, and other issues.

Gerard O'Connell Francis Cardinal Arinze This book, based on a series of interviews with His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, offers the reflections and insights of the only African cardinal currently heading a Vatican department. Without pretending to be a biography, it nevertheless tells much of the story of the cardinal's life in his own words. Speaking freely to Gerard O'Connell, a Rome …

Pope Benedict XVI had a powerful encounter with over one million youth at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, in August, 2005.  He also had important seperate meetings of deep significance with Jewish leaders, with Muslim leaders, and a third Ecumenical meeting with Protestant leaders.  This book includes all the texts of his talks to the youth over that five-day period, as well as …

The Golden Legend is one of the central texts of the Middle Ages, a superb summary of saints’ lives and religious festivals which decisively influenced the imagery of poetry, painting and stained glass. By creating a single-volume sourcebook of all the core Christian stories, Jacobus de Voragine (c.1229-98) attracted a huge audience right across Europe. Chaucer adapted the section on St …

Louis de Wohl As in his other popular novels, Louis de Wohl, with humility and deep religious conviction, takes us into the mind and heart of a saint, giving at the same time an enthralling picture of the era in which he lived. Here is a skillful weaving of the story of St. Ignatius Loyola’s conversion and pilgrimage with the colorful and dangerous history of Spain and Italy in the early …

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 …

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 answer - an answer that you …

 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 …

Plato One of the world's most respected classical scholars offers translations of the complete texts of "The Republic, Apology of Socrates, " "Crito, " "Phaedo, " "Ion, " "Meno, " and "Symposium."  

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, …

Father Edward L. Curran This unique 8”x10” volume explains 100 memorable events in Catholic history. Each page includes the detailed text and a beautiful illustration of a particular event in Catholic history. The answers to thousands of questions will be found in these pages—invaluable to Catholics, and especially to the youth of our day. This book should find a place in every Catholic home, …

The Fathers of the Church were great, holy men of history who lived in the early centuries of Christianity and made a significant impact on the Church and society by their lives and their teachings & writings. There are various groups of such men considered to be Fathers of the Church, and this work focuses on the lives, adventures and central teachings of the great Greek Fathers, whose …

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 …

This is the definitive biography of Fr. Vincent Robert Capodanno, a chaplain for the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. Greatly beloved by so many who served under his spiritual care, Fr. Capodanno died on the field of battle giving the last rites to the US soldiers he served so well. He was just declared a “Servant of God” by the Vatican, which is is the first major step toward the …

Description Nearly two-thirds of the New Testament--including all of the letters of Paul, most of the book of Acts, and the book of Revelation--is set outside of Israel, in either Turkey or Greece. Although biblically-oriented tours of the areas that were once ancient Greece and Asia Minor have become increasingly popular, up until now there has been no definitive guidebook through these …

In 28 concise chapters and 2 appendices, this book acquaints the reader with such basic concepts as biblical images of the Church, contemporary models of the Church, the classical “marks” of the Church, etc. Here too are explanations of the mission of the Church, its origin and aim, and the peculiar dynamics of the home and foreign missions. The origin and development of the …

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 …

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 …