From Dawn to Decadence: 1500 to the Present: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life
Highly regarded here and abroad for some thirty works of cultural history and criticism, master historian Jacques Barzun has set down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about the whole of Western culture since 1500.
Barzun describes what Western Man wrought from the Renaissance and Reformation down to the present in the double light of its own time and our pressing concerns. He introduces characters and incidents with his unusual literary style and grace, bringing to the fore those that have been forgotten or obscured. His compelling chapters—such as "Puritans as Democrats," "The Monarchs' Revolution," and "The Artist Prophet and Jester"—show the recurrent role of great themes throughout the era.
The triumphs and defeats of five hundred years form an inspiring saga that modifies the current impression of one long tale of oppression by white European males. Women and their deeds are prominent, and freedom (even in sexual matters) is not an invention of the last decades. And when Barzun rates the present not as a culmination but a decline, he is in no way a prophet of doom. Instead, he shows decadence as the normal close of great periods and a necessary condition of the creative novelty that will burst forth—tomorrow or the next day.
Only after a lifetime of separate studies covering a broad territory could a writer create with such ease the synthesis displayed in this magnificent volume.
More info →A History of the American People
"The creation of the United States of America is the greatest of all human adventures," begins Paul Johnson. "No other national story holds such tremendous lessons, for the American people themselves and for the rest of mankind."
In his prize-winning classic, Johnson presents an in-depth portrait of American history from the first colonial settlements to the Clinton administration. This is the story of the men and women who shaped and led the nation and the ordinary people who collectively created its unique character. Littered with letters, diaries, and recorded conversations, it details the origins of their struggles for independence and nationhood, their heroic efforts and sacrifices to deal with the 'organic sin’ of slavery and the preservation of the Union to its explosive economic growth and emergence as a world power. Johnson discusses contemporary topics such as the politics of racism, education, the power of the press, political correctness, the growth of litigation, and the influence of women throughout history. He sees Americans as a problem-solving people and the story of their country as "essentially one of difficulties being overcome by intelligence and skill, by faith and strength of purpose, by courage and persistence... Looking back on its past, and forward to its future, the auguries are that it will not disappoint humanity."
Sometimes controversial and always provocative, A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE is one author’s challenging and unique interpretation of American history. Johnson’s views of individuals, events, themes, and issues are original, critical, and in the end admiring, for he is, above all, a strong believer in the history and the destiny of the American people.
More info →Roots Of American Order
What holds America together? In this classic work, Russell Kirk identifies the beliefs and institutions that have nurtured the American soul and commonwealth. Beginning with the Hebrew prophets, Kirk examines in dramatic fashion the sources of American order. His analytical narrative might be called a "tale of five cities": Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and Philadelphia.
For an understanding of the significance of America in the twenty-first century, Russell Kirk's masterpiece on the history of American civilization is unsurpassed.
More info →Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament
Did the Old Testament writers borrow ideas from their pagan neighbors? And if they did, was it done uncritically? A respected Old Testament scholar and archaeologist engages with this controversial question by carefully comparing the biblical text to other ancient Near Eastern documents. Well-researched and thoughtfully nuanced, Currid aims to outline the precise relationship between the biblical worldview and that of Israel’s neighbors.
More info →Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child’s Education
This book is a result of research on the young child's mental development.
More info →The Lord of the Rings
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins.
From Sauron's fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, his power spread far and wide. Sauron gathered all the Great Rings to him, but always he searched for the One Ring that would complete his dominion.
When Bilbo reached his eleventy-first birthday he disappeared, bequeathing to his young cousin Frodo the Ruling Ring and a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord, and destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom.
The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf the Wizard; the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider.
More info →Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family
What is your calling as a parent?
In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.
In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God―grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.
Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.
More info →Green Eggs and Ham in Latin (Virent Ova! Viret Perna!!)
C'mon! Try them, in Latin. Sam-I-am's smiling enthusiasm for the seemingly unappetizingly tinted green eggs and ham is undaunted, despite repeated disdain shown by an unnamed, dour disparager. Sam will not give up, though, and offers the dish over and over, proposing that it be sampled under sometimes whacky circumstances and in odd locales (with a goat, on a boat, in the rain, on a train, in a box, with a fox, etc.). In the end Sam does get the grumpy disparager to take a taste- only to get Sam off his back. The disparager's demeanor quickly changes to all smiles when he discovers to his surprise that disdained green eggs and ham are, in fact, quite tasty. Sam-I-am, yet another delightfully plucky Seuss protagonist, allows both adults and humans to look - -with the objectivity humor so adeptly affords - at our all-too-human tendency towards knee-jerk negativity in response to anything that is new or different. Special Features Dr. Seuss' perennial favorite, Green Eggs and Ham, is here rendered in spirited Latin: in trochaic rhythm with rhyme in the last two syllables, a sprightly verse-form that goes toe-to-toe with Seuss's whimsical drawings. Virent Ova! Viret Perna!! is a true delight - Latin as it is infrequently experienced: fun, exhilarating, ebullient. This Latin-language edition is a welcome, all-occasion gift, a delightful way to revisit a treasured tale, and an enjoyable way to refresh your high school Latin. Fast-moving Latin translation that echoes the lighthearted spirit of the original Original artwork of Dr. Seuss Latin-to-English vocabulary Note on 'How to Read these Verses'
More info →Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Latin edition (Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis)
In case you don't remember, Harry Potter is an eleven year old wizard. Long ago, Harry's parents were killed in a battle with the evil Lord Voldemort. When we first meet Harry, he is living miserably with his repulsive and non-magical (or Muggle) Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and their even more revolting son Dudley. Following a bizarre but hilarious chain of events, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with an outrageous cast of characters, including super-smart Hermione, vile Draco Malfoy, sinister Professor Snape and the wise Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
More info →Winnie the Pooh, Latin Edition (Winnie Ille Pu)
The publishing history of Winnie Ille Pu is among the most famous in all of publishing: how a privately printed Latin translation of A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh, originally issued in a 300-copy edition, eventually became the only book in Latin ever to grace the New York Times bestseller list. Whether you're calling on long-ago high school Latin lessons or are fully proficient in the language, you'll delight in once again meeting Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Kanga, tiny Roo, and, of course, Pooh himself.
This is a revised edition with notes and a glossary.
More info →Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God's presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each chapter looks at something―making the bed, brushing her teeth, losing her keys―that the author does every day. Drawing from the diversity of her life as a campus minister, Anglican priest, friend, wife, and mother, Tish Harrison Warren opens up a practical theology of the everyday. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship. Come and discover the holiness of your every day.
More info →The Cloud of Witness ~ A Daily Sequence of Great Thoughts from Many Minds following the Christian Seasons
Over one thousand quotes, scripture verses, and poetry selections are included in this sweet-sized devotional (4"x6") that will help inspire and guide you throughout the year. The Cloud of Witness is a high-quality reprint of the 1891 edition compiled by Edith Gell. It is a durable heirloom book printed in grayscale and housed in a rich coated-linen cover with a golden bookmark to hold your place. Each week a different theme is highlighted with selections from such luminaries as George MacDonald, William Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson, William Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson and others. A fresh forward has been added by Nancy Kelly of Sage Parnassus which elucidates Charlotte Mason’s use of this book as a gift to her House of Education graduates. In addition, a high-quality color image of Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World replaces the black and white image from the 1st edition. This thoughtful volume will comfort and guide anyone who wishes to meditate on the many truths found between the covers as well as make a perfect gift that will last a lifetime. We at Riverbend Press were very happy to work with Nancy Kelly on this project. Nancy had a vision for this wonderful little book and together we were able to make it a reality. We are pleased to add it to our growing list of Charlotte Mason books and look forward to future Charlotte Mason-related projects with Nancy involving books and other beautiful things.
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