Suggested Reading
Biography
Eisenhower Ambrose
A definitive biography, full of personal interviews, of the soldier
who became president.
Thomas Jefferson Appleby
A biography of how during his rule, Jefferson effectively changed many
customs and ideologies of governments, and how through his
leadership, America exists from sea to shining sea.
Thomas Becket Barlow
The story of the tragic murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170
by four of the king’s men. This martyr’s grave then became a haven for
pilgrims as a multitude of miracles were accredited to the saint’s
intervention.
The Day Lincoln Was Shot Bishop
A moment by moment account of all of Lincoln and John Wilkes
Booth’s movements on April 14, 1865.
Disraeli Blake
A biography of one of England’s most influential prime ministers of the
19th century.
A Man for all Seasons Bolt
The heroic story of the bravery of St. Thomas More in standing up to
the king of England, Henry VIII, and refusing to follow him in his
revolt against Rome.
The Life of Samuel Johnson Boswell
The definitive biography of one the English languages’ greatest master’s.
Witness Chambers
The autobiographical story of his early work with the communist party,
his renunciation of communism, and his famous Hiss-Chambers spy
trial.
Orthodoxy Chesterton
Chesteron’s autobiography on his conversion to Christianity, and his
argument for how his conversion and subsequent life as a Christian has
been the exact thing that he needed to fill all of his needs.
St. Thomas Aquinas: the Dumb Ox Chesterton
Considered one of his best, Chesterton gives a magnificent look on the
life and thinking of the Angelic Doctor.
Lay Siege to Heaven, a Novel about St. Catherine of Siena De Wohl
A novel about the extraordinary life of St. Catherine of Sienna, and how
she single handedly brought he papacy back to Rome from Avingon.
St. Joan: The Girl Soldier De Wohl
The story of how this young saint, through the explicit bidding of God,
saved France from the English invaders during the Hundred Years War.
The Restless Flame: a Novel about St. Augustine De Wohl
A novel of St. Augustine’s tumultuous early life and extraordinary
conversion and life afterwards.
The Joyful Beggar: St. Francis of Assisi De Wohl
The story of the amazing life of St. Francis of Assisi: he extravagant
youth, his conversion, and later his life of austerity and holiness.
His Excellency: George Washington Ellis
The biography of the life of the Father of America and evidence that he
was truly the only indispensable one of the Founding Fathers.
Washington: The Indispensable Man Flexner
One of the most eminent historians on George Washington, Flexner
shows the complexity of Washington’s character, as a leader, a father,
and a founder to a country. This biography neither
glorifies or condemns Washington, but rather shows the depth of his
character and humanity.
The Diary of a Young Girl Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank relates the terrible treatment that she and her
family, as Jews, suffered under the Nazi regime of Germany in the
1930’s and 40’s.
Man’s Search for Meaning Frankl
This philosophical and psychological inquiry was the experience of
Viktor Frankl observing his fellow concentration camp-mates during
the years of Nazi tyranny. Frankl, discovered that he needed to have a
reason to live, namely someone he loved to survive the concentration
camp.
Seabiscuit Hillenbrand
The under-dog story of horse racing, an undersized and roughhewn
horse, who was the biggest news story of 1938, even bigger than FDR
or Hitler.
When Pride Still Mattered Maraniss
Riveting biography of the great football legend, Vince Lombardi
Peter the Great Massie
Pulitzer Prize winner, Massie’s novel about the extraordinary life of one
of Russia’s greatest rulers.
Catherine of Aragon Mattingly
John Adams McCullough
A definitive biography of the life of the second President of the United
States.
Admiral of the Ocean Sea Morison
A definitive biography on the life, accomplishments, and lasting effects
of Christopher Columbus.
Theodore Rex Morris
The second installment of Morris’s history of Teddy Roosevelt,
Theodore Rex covers the eight years of his presidency (1901-1909)
following the assassination of President McKinley.
With Malice Towards None Oates
A biography of great and heroic life of the sixteenth President of the
United States, Abraham Lincoln.
The Confessions St. Augustine
St. Augustine relates his mischievous and confused childhood,
adolescence, and early manhood. The second half tells of his conversion
and of his life then as bishop of Hippo, Africa.
Mary of Nazareth Suarez
A recounting of the life of the Mother of God.
Joan of Arc Twain
Twain's translation of Sieur Louis de Conte’s memoirs of St. Joan’s life.
Conte was the only person who was with St. Joan during the three
important stages of her life: as a visionary villager, a peasant, and a
military genius. Twain also adds his own commentary and research on
the life of St. Joan of Arc.
Against All Hope Valladares
The autobiographical story of how the author, through his deep
Christian faith, survived twenty years in one of Castro’s tropical gulags.
A Severe Mercy Vanauken
The love story of the author (Sheldon) and his wife Davy is one of Begun as a pagan
love, when they move to Oxford they meet
C.S. Lewis and convert to Christianity. As time progresses, their love for
God intensifies to the point where Sheldon realizes that his wife has
come to love God more than him, thus stirring up in him an angry
jealousy for God. However when Davy dies of a fatal illness Sheldon is
forced to find meaning again in life and in pain.journey.
Witness to Hope Weigel
This is the most extensive and definitive biography of the life of
Pope John Paul II. This biography covers his life from his infancy up to
only a few years before his death. Much of the book is based off of
interview between the author and the pope himself.
Fiction
Emma Austen
The story of Emma Woodsworth, a wealthy, exquisite, and self-deluded
young woman who will not admit that she actually could be in
love with somebody. The novel tells of how she tries to deal with her
feelings and the social situations she is thrown into.
Persuasion Austen
The story of Anne Elliot who falls in love with a naval officer, Frederick
Wentworth. The two become engaged until Anne’s friend, Lady Russell,
convinces Anne that Frederick is “unworthy.” Eight years later
Frederick returns as a wealthy captain and Anne’s family is on the brink
of bankruptcy. Although the two are still in love, but their past
relationship makes the encounter much more difficult.
Pride and Prejudice Austen
The romance of the independent Elizabeth Bennett and the arrogant
wealthy Mr. Darcy. A engrossing read and delightful comedy about
high society, their courtships, and their manners.
Sense and Sensibillity Austen
The story of two sisters, Elinor (calm and rational) and Marianne
(passionate and wildly romantic) , and both of their troubled searches
for love and happiness.
The Lord of the World Benson
A bleak fictionalized rendition of the end of the world, when the
Catholic Church is relegated to the immediate vicinity of Rome, and
when an enterprising young American, Julian Felsenberg, rises in power
to become the lord of the world.
Fahrenheit 451 Bradbury
The story of an alternate future with a tyrannical government, and where
the firemen now ignite fires instead of putting them out. The houses
that they burn are the houses that hide the greatest evil of their society: books.
Wuthering Heights Bronte
The story of an orphan, Heathcliff, who falls in love with a girl in the
class and loses her. After losing her, he devotes the rest of his life to
exacting revenge on her family.
Don Quixote Cervantes
The first modern novel, Don Quixote tells of the adventures of the half
crazy knight, Don Quixote de la Mancha, and his squire, Sancho Panza.
Together these they throughout the Spanish countryside in search
of oppressed people who they try to help.
Death Comes to the Archbishop Cather
The story of a French bishop and a priest who go on mission to
America, first to the Great Lakes and then to New Mexico where their
love of the people and of Christ lead them to live there and give of themselves completely, even until death.
The Man Who Was Thursday Chesterton
An intriguing story of mystery and espionage, mixed in with social,
religious, and philosophical commentary.
The Heart of Darkness Conrad
A study of race and the greed of imperialism through the fictionalized
account of a riverboat captain, Marlow, and his trip through the African
Congo.
The Deerslayer Cooper
The story of Natty Bumppo as a young man living on the frontier in
upstate 18th century New York, and his adventures with the local Indian
tribe.
The Last of the Mohicans Cooper
Set in 1757, during the French and Indian War, a young colonial scout is
ordered to escort his colonel’s two daughters through the wilderness of
upstate New York. This tale relates their adventure to home and safety.
The Pathfinder Cooper
The story of Natty Bumppo as a midshipman on a ship on the Great
Lakes in the 1750s.
The Red Badge of Courage Crane
The history of the Civil War seen through the eyes of a young farm boy,
Henry Fleming.
The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradisio Dante
The first piece of vernacular literature since the fall of Rome, Dante’s
Divine Comedy tells of his journey through Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
and his ensuing conversion.
Robinson Crusoe Defoe
The story of a young boy trying to escape a mundane world by leaving
on a ship for foreign countries. He gets marooned on a tropical island
and lives there for twenty-eight years alone where he wrestles with his
fate and ponders the nature of God and man.
A Tale of Two Cities Dickens
Dickens’ novel is situated in Paris during the French Revolution, with
the central character as a lazy lawyer Sydney Carton, who gives up his
life after having been inspired by a woman.
David Copperfield Dickens
A mix of fact and fiction, Dickens’ semiautobiographical novel tells the
story of a young boy who after losing his parents at a young age, escapes
the harsh life of working for his stepfather goes to search for a better life
and of happiness.
Great Expectations Dickens
The story of the life of the orphan Pip, as he is sent to London by an
anonymous benefactor with great expectations of becoming a
gentleman. These hopes are soon entangled in the mystery of a
beautiful woman, a bitter old recluse, and an ambitious lawyer.
Oliver Twist Dickens
The story of how a young boy, despite his harsh and degrading
surroundings manages to maintain a life of virtue, even unto the
the point of death.
Crime and Punishment Dostoyevsky
The story of a Russian intellectual, Raskolnikov, who begins to believe
that the most brilliant men are above the law because they can think new
ideas and therefore help society. To prove his theory he kills an old
pawnbroker and his daughter. Raskolnickov’s own sense of guilt leads
him to his redemption.
The Brothers Karamazov Dostoyevsky
The story of the collision of the three Karamozov brothers, Ivan the
intellectual, Dmitri the sensual, and Alyosha the idealistic, following
their tragic father’s murder.
The Idiot Dostoyevsky
The story of the saintly, innocent and over-generous Prince Myshkin
who is rejected by St. Petersburg society for his goodness and
generosity. To escape a world of money, power, and sexual conquest
Myshkin can only find sanctuary, tragically, in a sanatorium.
The Count of Monte Cristo Dumas
Dumas here spins one of the great stories of intrigue, love, passion,
and vengeance in this epic. Edmond Dantes has his whole life taken
from him when a rival frames him for a crime that lands Dantes in
prison for 14 years. The novel then relates Dantes incredible escape
from prison and swift revenge.
The Three Musketeers Dumas
Dumas’ masterpiece relates the swashbuckling adventure of the young
D’Artangian and his three musketeer friends as they try to stop the
traitorous actions of Msgr. Cardinal Richelieu and save France from
the outbreak of a war with England.
The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald
The story of how the rich Jay Gatsby of New York
pays his friend Nick Carroway to get in touch with his wartime love,
Daisy Buchanan. The pervading theme of the novel is that money is
the root of all evil.
King Solomon’s Mines Haggard
The groundbreaking adventure story of how Allan Quartermain joins up
with Sir Henry Curtis and Captain John Good in search of the legendary
King Solomon’s mines in North Africa.
The Old Man and the Sea Hemingway
The story of an old Cuban fisherman battling a marlin, encapsulating not
only Hemingway’s favorite pastime, but also his favorite motifs: moral
and physical struggle.
Captains Courageous Kipling
The story of the spoiled son of a millionaire, fifteen-year-old Henry
Cheyne who is swept of an ocean liner and is picked up by New England
fisherman who teach what it means to work.
To Kill a Mockingbird Lee
Set in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression, the
young protagonist learns the meaning of bravery and love from her
father.
The Complete Books of Narnia Lewis
This series of seven children books relate of how four children from
1940’s England find themselves in the magical world of Narnia. In
Narnia the children repeatedly help to save what is to become their
kingdom from the continual advances of evil during their absences.
Out of the Silent Planet Lewis
Book one of Lewis’ “Space Trilogy,” where Dr. Ransom is captured by
two fellow scientists and taken to the planet Malacandra to be sacrificed.
The adventure is one that will teach Dr. Ransom about the depth of
human nature.
Perelandra Lewis
The second book of the “Space Trilogy,” where Dr. Ransom travels to
Perelandra to teach the innocent queen about the nature of evil so as to
prevent her planet from falling as Earth had before it.
That Hideous Strength Lewis
Returning to Earth to finish off the “Space Trilogy,” Dr. Ransom and
his comrades are forced to fight against the evil totalitarian regime:
N.I.C.E.
Liar’s Poker Michael Lewis
A hilarious and irreverent inside look on life on Wall Street.
The Call of the Wild London
London, in his masterpiece, bases the story loosely off his
experiences as a Canadian prospector. The story relates London’s
ideas of survival and struggle in the Yukon wilderness.
Moby Dick Melville
The story of a man called Ishmael aboard the whale hunting ship the
Pequod, the ship’s monomaniacal and psychotic captain, Ahab, and his
insane quest to hunt and kill the white whale, Moby Dick.
Novels by Patrick O’Brian
Daring naval adventures, such as Master and Commander.
Short Stories of Flannery O’Connor
Stories by a southern Catholic author, who has a special talent for
exploring moral question through her brilliant characters.
The Scarlet Pimpernell Orczy
The story of a English aristocrat and his French wife who together help
to save French aristocrats from the guillotine.
Animal Farm Orwell
This short read is an accurate allegory and commentary of the Russian Revolution of 1917transported onto a farm. The animals on the farm overthrow their drunken master and rule themselves, ushering in a short lived era of prosperity. The pig soon become drunk with power and the farm animals are in the same, if not worse, position that they started in.
The Little Prince Saint Exupery
The story of a pilot who encounters a little prince from another planet
while attempting to repair his plane, who relates his adventure in looking
for what is important in life.
Ivanhoe Scott
The tale of how while King Richard the Lion Hearted was on crusade
his brother, Prince John, tries to set himself up as crowned king of
England. In order for Richard to defeat John he enlists the help of
the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe.
The Killer Angels Shaara
The Pulitzer Prize winning novel about the Battle of Gettysburg.
With Fire and Sword Sienkiewycz
In 1647 there arises a revolt of the Cossacks against the Poland-
Lithuanian Commonwealth. One of the young knights in the defending
army, Yan Skshetuski falls in love with the beautiful Helen, only to have
her taken by the Cossacks. The Polish army then goes after Helen, who
has become the symbol of Poland.
The Deluge Sienkiewycz
The story of how a young Polish soldier is misled into treason, but
because of his pure love for Olenka, he is set back on the right course,
and dedicates his life to defending his homeland
from its constant attacks.
Fire in the Steppe Sienkiewycz
In 1670 Poland is under attack from the Cossack, Tartars, and Turks.
Pan Volodyovski, the valiant Polish hero, battles the enemies outside
and within Poland to save his country.
Quo Vadis Sienkiewycz
A novel about the Christian persecution in ancient Rome under the
Emperor Nero.
One day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Solzhenitsyn
A harsh criticism of Stalinist Russia through relating one day in the life
Ivan in a gulag of Siberian Russia. IT is partially based on the authors on
personal experience in a gulag.
The Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck
The story of how an Oklahoma farm family, the Joads, is driven to
California by famine, in search of food and work. They however meet
there the harsh realities of the major divide between the “Haves” and
the “Have-nots.”
The Pearl Steinbeck
The story of how a poor Mexican pearl fisherman finds a precious pearl.
Instead of bring with it good luck, it brings misfortunes which ultimately
causes the fisherman to cast it back from whence it came.
The Red Pony Steinbeck
The story of a young farm boy, Jody, who learns, by the death of his
horse Gabilan, that he cannot be in complete control of his or any other
life.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Stowe
An instant classic when published in 1852 (10,000 copies sold in the first
week, and 100,000 in the first year) this book was the catalyst that ignited
the anti-slavery movement just prior to the Civil War. The book tells of
a slave who refuses to obey his white masters, and because of this suffers
cruelty and injustice.
The Hobbit Tolkien
Tolkien’s The Hobbit tells a tale that brings Bilbo Baggins, a
hobbit, out of his comfortable life in Bag End when Gandalf the Wizard
and a band of dwarfs take Bilbo on an adventure to recapture their lost
home and to defeat the dragon Smaug.
The Lord of the Rings Tolkien
Tolkien’s sequal to The Hobbit, sends Bilbo’s nephew Frodo and his
companions on a quest to destroy the magic ring Bilbo found on his
adventure and to bring an end to an evil that threatens to enslave
Middle-Earth.
The Silmarillion Tolkien
The Silmarillion gives the history of elves and men in the troubled
world of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth.
Anna Karenina Tolstoy
The tragedy of the beautiful Anna Karenina tells of a woman who
leaves her husband to live with another lover. She is then ostracized
from society, and prone to fits of jealousy and rage, she quickly sinks
into what appears a hopeless situation. This book is an insightful study
of human nature.
War and Peace Tolstoy
The stories of five Russian families struggling to stay alive during
Napoleon’s invasion of Russia.
Fathers and Sons Turgenev
A story of the clash of ideologies between the older and younger
generation in pre-revolutionary Russia.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Twain
The story of how Hank Morgan, a 19th century, New England mechanic
wakes up in Camelot during the reign of King Arthur. What ensues is a
clash of cultures, when Hank tries to introduce modernity to medieval
England.
Huckleberry Finn Twain
The story of the classic American rebel who flees Mississippi on a raft
on the Mississippi River, and saves the runaway slave, Jim. The
adventure teaches Huck about love, responsibility, and how to make
moral choices.
The Prince and the Pauper Twain
The story of how a pauper and a prince meet, notice how similar they
appear when they exchange clothes and lives, and then experience
how the “other half lives.”
Tom Sawyer Twain
Twain’s tale of the boyhood adventures of Tom and his best friend
Huck Finn. The trouble they get into and their adventures are Twain’s
joyful acknowledgment of the endless possibilities in childhood.
Kristin Lavrenstdatter Undset
Set in 14th century Norway, it tells the story of Kristin's stormy romance
with Erlend Nikalausson.
The Master of Hestviken Undset
A love story set in Medieval Norway between Olav and Ingunn. They
were betrothed when children, grew up together and eventually fell in
love and decided to marry. However the powers that had originally
betrothed them have since then betrothed each off to other people. The
two then spend the rest of the novel fighting for their marriage in a
world where debts are paid in blood and Christianity is just starting to
surface.
Ben-Hur Wallace
The story of a young Jew in the first century A.D., Judah Ben-Hur who
begins a quest in search of a Roman childhood friend who betrayed him.
The quest soon, however, turns into a spiritual quest in search of an
understanding of the nature of the new teacher, Jesus Chirst.
Brideshead Revisted Waugh
Brideshead Revisited chronicles Charles Ryder’s relationship and
experience with the catholic and somewhat eccentric Flyte family. It is a
story of romance, loss, and ultimately conversion.
The Once and Future King White
Bases on the tale of King Arthur’s life.
The Portrait of Dorian Grey Wilde
The story of a man who sells his soul to the devil to avoid aging and
death.
Beau Geste Wren
This tale of adventure concerns the three Geste brothers. After the
robbery of their prized family jewel all three join the French foreign
legion, where they are under the rule of sergeant Lejaune. Lejaune
learns of the jewel which the brothers are in possession of. His heart
then fills with greed. The brothers are then forced to engage in a daring
plan to save their lives.
History
Band of Brothers Ambrose
The amazing true story of Easy Company, of the 506th Regiment, of the
101st Airbone. The story tracks from their training, to Normandy, to the
Battle of the Bulge, and to Hitler’s Eagle Nest.
Citizen Soldiers Ambrose
The story tracks a year in the life of a US G.I. as he fought from
Normandy to across the Rhine.
D-Day Ambrose
A comprehensive telling of D-Day, from the early planning stages, to its
execution, and finally covering its effects.
Undaunted Courage Ambrose
The story of the three year adventure of Meriwether Lewis and William
Clark as they went West and explored America on commission of
President Thomas Jefferson.
Gulag Applebaum
A complete study of life in a Russian Gulag during the reign of
Communism.
The Galleys of Lepanto Beeching
The story of the greatest naval battle of the Renaissance that saved
Christendom from the rule of the Turks. The Book also recounts the
Siege of Malta, which acted as a prelude to Lepanto.
Characters of the Reformation Belloc
Belloc gives a detailed analysis of the primary leaders of the
Reformation, their lives and their doctrines.
Come Rack, Come Rope Benson
A tale of the hardships and tragedies suffered by Catholics under the
reign of Elizabeth I of England, through the eyes of one Catholic
family.
Red Dawn at Lexington Birnbaum
A history of Boston and the surrounding areas from 1773-1776 and the
major events that occurred there during the Revolutionary War.
Black Hawk Down Bowden
A failed special forces mission in Somalia in October 1993 results in
the lives of 18 US soldiers.
The Great Siege Bradford
The telling of the great Siege of Malta in 1565 by the Sultan Soleyman
the Magnificent. From their island base of Malta the Knights of St. John
single handedly denied the Ottoman Empire
complete control of the Mediterranean Sea. This siege determined the
salvation of Christendom.
Flags of Our Fathers Bradley
The story of Bradley’s father and the men in his company in World
War II and their path to Iwo Jima. It was this company that raised the
famous American flag following the battle. The book also tells of that
horrific battle where 22,000 Japanese fought till the last man was
standing.
Flyboys Bradley
The story of how eight young American pilots who were shot down
over Chichi Jima in 1945. Seven disappeared from history; the eighth
was found by a navy submarine. The eighth was George H.W. Bush.
Bradley tells of the tale of the other seven, whose story was covered
up by the government for two decades.
A Stillness at Appomattox Catton
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction, Catton tell of the conflicts
Between Lee and Grant, and of the end of hope for the Confederacy.
The Coming Fury Catton
Traces the events leading up to the Civil War during the twelve months
prior to the beginning of the armed conflict.
Founding Brothers Ellis
A study of the intertwined lives of the founding fathers: George
Washington, John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander
Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Modern Times Johnson
A history of the 20th focusing and different intellectual, scientific, and
social trends.
The Perfect Storm Junger
The true story of how in October 1991 rare meteorological conditions
produced the “perfect storm” with almost no warning, and how a six
man fishing boat was lost in this storm off the coast of Nova Scotia.
The Face of Battle Keegan
An examination of the perspective on warfare from the point of view of
the common soldier of three wars spanning 500 years: Agincourt,
Waterloo, and the Somme.
The Armada Mattingly
The story of how the British naval fleet defeated the hailed Spanish
Armada in 1588, and changed the course of history forever.
Battle Cry of Freedom McPherson
The Pulitzer-Prize winning history of the Civil War, that brings to life
the Presidents, the generals, the soldiers, the politicians, and the activists.
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young Moore and Galloway
The story of the first significant engagement between US troops and
the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War, and the first use of “cavalry”
(helicopters) in modern warfare.
A Short History of the Catholic Church Orlandis
A brief history of the Church from the time of its founding up until the
fall of communism.
Gulag Archipelago Solzhenitsyn
Drawing on the author’s own incarceration in a gulag, along with that of
more than 200 other prisoners, and the Soviet archives, Solzhenitsyn
tells of the true story of this totalitarian state and its prison system.
The First Circle Solzhenitsyn
This book goes inside the mind of Stalin to show what happens to a
country where absolute power is in the hands of incompetent men.
Conquest Thomas
A history of the fall of the Aztec Empire under the hand of the Spanish
Conquistadors.
The Guns of August Tuchman
The story of how and why World War I started and how it was
unnecessary and could have easily been stopped.
Our Lady of Fatima Walsh
The story of how Our Lady appeared to three little Portuguese farm
children, told them of the future, and also performed miracles for the
whole world to see.
Lifeline of the Confederacy Wise
One of the most complete and extensive books on Confederate
blockade running during the Civil War.
Classics
The Illiad Homer
The greatest epic in Western Civilization, The Illiad tells of the final
battle of the famed Trojan War. Homer relates the refusal of Achilles to
fight in the battle because of and insult and injustice done to him by
King Agamemnon, and then of the terror that is unleashed once Achilles
is drawn in to battle to avenge the death of his beloved friend Patroclos.
The Oddysey Homer
The companion of the Illiad, The Oddysey relates the end of Oddyseus’
ten year long journey home following the Trojan war. Homer tells of
daring adventures and escapes by the greatest mind in the ancient Greek
world, and of Oddyseus’ return home, only to find his house under the
domination of the suitors of his believed to be widowed wife, Penelope.
Paradise Lost Milton
John Milton’s epic poem telling of the fall of the angels and the fall of
man.
Utopia More
St. Thomas More’s classic on the structure of the good and perfect
society and government.
Five Great Dialogues Plato
Five of Socrates conversations, as recorded by Plato, which have shaped
Western philosophy for millennia.
The Republic Plato
Plato’s classic dialogue about the structure of the just and good society
and its government.
Hamlet Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s masterpiece tells of a coup d’etat by the brother of the former King Hamlet that ends in fratricide and incest. This new regime lasts until the young prince Hamlet (son of King Hamlet) is visited by his father’s ghost who commands him to not let his father’s death be in vain.
King Lear Shakespeare
King Lear tells of an aging king who goes crazy when he realizes that his
two oldest daughters betray him and cast out his youngest daughter.
Macbeth Shakespeare
After riding home from battle, Macbeth is told by three witches that
great things await him, including the crown. When Lady Macbeth hears
this she decides to accelerate fortune by killing the current king, King
Duncan. The repercussions of this deed, however drive both King and
Queen Macbeth insane, and is the downfall of the kingdom.
Othello Shakespeare
The story of how Othello the moor, and Desdemona fall in love and
marry secretly, and how the jealous Iago sets out to destroy Othello and
his marriage.
Philosophy and Religious
Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle
Aristotle’s instructions to his son, Nicomacheus, on how to live a good,
virtuous and happy life.
On the Soul Aristotle
Aristotle’s brief, yet profound, study of the animating principle of all
forms of life, the soul.
Darwin’s Black Box Behe
The publication of results that have challenged the randomness of
Darwinism by providing proof of intelligent design, especially obvious
in microbiology.
The Book of Virtues Bennett
The former Secretary of Education compiled a collection of
short stories and poems meant to be read to youngsters in an effort to
teach the upcoming generation morals and virtue from a young age.
Friendship in Christ Benson
Benson demonstrates how the basic need of human friendship is met
perfectly in Jesus Christ. He shows how man can live so that he can
posses the greatest friendship possible, and thus fulfil his greatest
longing.
Fatherless America Blankenhorn
This book covers the social phenomenon of fatherless households in
America, and even more shocking, the danger of eradication of the very
ideal of fatherhood from society.
The Closing of the American Mind Bloom
A book in which the author mourns the decline of universities, the decay
of the humanities and the spiritual rootlessness and un-connectedness of
students to tradition today.
Jesus as Friend Canals
Based on the teaching of St. Josemaria Escriva, this book is a practical
guide to learning to find God, loving him, and encountering him every
day in ordinary life.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Promulgated under Pope John Paul II, the Catechism is the definitive
source for Catholics on questions about God, His Church, and their
role in it.
Everlasting Man Chesterton
Chesterton’s argument against the social progressivism and social
Darwinism of the time. By using historical examples such as Babylon
and Egypt he shows how the idea that society began with barbarism and
progresses always towards civilization is inaccurate and a myth.
Democracy in America De Toqueville
In the 1830’s Alexis De Toqueville came to America to study how
democracy worked under the Constitution. His analysis is one of the
most in depth and comprehensive works on the subject.
The Forge Escriva
1055 maxims of St. Josemaria Escriva on the spiritual life.
The Furrow Escriva
1000 maxims of St. Josemaria Escriva on the spiritual life.
Friends of God Escriva
The first published collection of St. Josemaria’s homilies, covering all
subjects and seasons of the Church calendar. The pervading theme is
that even in the most ordinary activities, we need to reflect God in our
lives.
The Way Escriva
999 maxims of St. Josemaria Escriva on the spiritual life.
The Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ Godier
A recount of Our Lord’s last hours on Earth before his death.
The Public Life of Christ Godier
A telling of the last three years of Christ’s life on earth.
The Federalist Hamilton
A series of newspaper articles in a New York journal from 1787-1788 by
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay (all under
pseudonyms) showing the necessity for the new Constitution.
The Neck of the Giraffe Hitching
An objective and unbiased assessment of the theory of evolution and the
assumptions on which it is based.
Crossing the Threshold of Hope John Paul II
On the eve of the Third Millennium, John Paul II speaks of the
existence of God, salvation, pain and suffering, and the Church’s
role in the context of Protestantism.
Darwin on Trial Johnson
A clear, calm, and concise defense of Darwinsim, using evidence ranging
From fossils to molecular biology.
Did Darwin get it Right? Johnston
An in depth study showing how Darwin’s theory of evolution does not
hold up to scientific scrutiny.
Wing to Wing, Oar to Oar Kass
A modern, pro-marriage, guide to dating and marriage.
Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong Kilpatrick
Kilpatrick offers a solution to the unprecedented high rate of teenage
pregnancy, drug abuse, suicide, and violence, by the necessity of
providing the young generation with stories, models, and inspirations to
live a good life.
A Grief Oberved Lewis
Written right after the death of his wife, A Grief Observed is an honest
reflection on death and suffering that has helped many find hope in
times of despair.
The Screwtape Letters Lewis
The Letters are a correspondence between an expert tempter, Screwtape,
and his novice nephew, Wormwood. The book is a series of letters from
Screwtape giving careful instruction on how Wormwood should tempt
his “patient” in order to secure his damnation.
Mere Christianity Lewis
Lewis’ calm, logical, and convincing argument for orthodox Christianity.
The Abolition of Man Lewis
Lewis’ argument for the importance of universal values and virtue in
contemporary society
The Four Loves Lewis
In this short book, C.S. Lewis explores the four different natures of
human love: affection, friendship, eros and charity. One soon learns
to distinguish the different types of love in his own nature and they
masterfully play off each by reading this essay.
The Problem of Pain Lewis
C.S. Lewis’ answer to why God permits suffering and the explanation to
the good that comes out of this suffering.
The Idea of a University Newman
In response to criticisms about founding a Catholic university in
Ireland, Cardinal Newman wrote this comprehensive book as a case
for the necessity of a Catholic liberal-arts education for the citizens of
Ireland.
Leisure, The Basis of Culture Pieper
Pieper’s argument that Western culture has become overrun by the
Weberian or protestant work ethic (work for work’s sake) to a point that
is harmful. He argues that both society at large and the individual are in
danger of losing their souls because of this. Men no longer have any
time for reflection and contemplation of truth, beauty and goodness.
On Hope Pieper
Pieper answers in this short book the universal question: what is our
hope in this life? He explains that it is the hope of heaven. It is this
hope that keeps the Christian on course and in which he finds
happiness.
Amusing Ourselves to Death Postman
A prophetic commentary on the corrosive effects of television and the
media on all aspects of modern life, and how they should be turned
around to help serve the highest good.
There’s No Place Like Work Robertson
Another Sort of Learning Schall
Selected essays on how to finally acquire an education
while still in college, or anywhere else. It contains advice about how to
employ leisure time when ultimate questions remain perplexing, and a
sundry book list.
The Intellectual Life Sertillanges
A guide on how to develop skills through discipline so as to become a
great thinker in one’s field.
A Map of Life Sheed
Sheed concisely lays out the truths of Catholicism, its doctrines, and the
Church’s understanding of what God has planned for each person in
this life.
Life of Christ Sheen
The birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ as recounted by
Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
The City of God St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s defense of Christianity against those critics at the time
who claimed that it was because of Christianity that Rome fell. St.
Augustine refutes this by saying that it is because the Romans were too
absorbed with earthly goods and pleasures that their civilization
crumbled.
Psychology as Religion Vitz
A study of how in our secularized culture, pyshcology has become the
unofficial state religion, and how this has led to society worshiping itself.
Love and Responsibility Wojtyla
Published in 1960, Wojtyla contrasts the differences between the
personalist and utilitarian views on sex and marriage. Wojtyla argues,
and shows through common experiences, that fulfillment in marriage
arises out of total dedication to the person.
Biography
The Life of Thomas More Ackroyd
TS Eliot: A Life Ackroyd
Nixon Ambrose
The Reign of Napolean Bonaparte Asprey
The Rise of Napolean Bonaparte Asprey
Theodore Roosevelt Auchincloss
Woodrow Wilson Auchincloss
The Path to Rome Belloc
Pius XII and the Second World War Bleet
The Emperor Charles V Brandi
The Path to Power Caro
The Power Broker Caro
Alexander the Great Cartledge
Alexander Hamilton Chernow
Titan: The Life of JD Rockefeller Chernow
Mary Queen of Scots Fraser
Lincoln and His Cabinet MacCartney
American Caesar Manchester
Wind Over Sand Marks
Nicholas and Alexandra Massie
Truman McCullough
The Last Letters of Thomas More More
Plutarch’s Lives Plutarch
Isabella of Castille Rubin
The Downing Street Years Thatcher
Robert E. Lee Thomas
John Paul Jones Thomas
Fiction
Tuesdays With Morrie Albom
Little Women Alcott
Mansfield Park Austen
Northanger Abbey Austen
Jane Eyre Bronte
Selected Poems Browning
Alone Byrd
The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll Carroll
My Antonia Cather
Short Stories of Anton Chekhov Chekhov
Father Brown Stories Chesterton
The Ox-Bow Incident Clark
Or I’ll Dress You in Mourning Collins
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Conan Doyle
Lord Jim Conrad
The Cid Corneille
The Leopard di Lampedusa
A Christmas Carol Dickens
Bleak House Dickens
Dombay and Son Dickens
Hard Times Dickens
The Possessed Dostoyevsky
Middlemarch Eliot
Silas Marner &nb
