Fiction
A Novel about St Francis of Assisi
by 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 brash, pleasure-loving young officer who was to become immortalized as St. Francis of Assisi.
The story teems with action, pageantry and intrigue with finely conceived characters-the beautiful, saintly Clare, Frederick, the hawk-faced King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor, the Sultan Al Kamil, Pope Innocent III. The scene shifts from Assisi, Rome and Sicily to the deadly sands of Egypt.
This book was made into a feature film by 20th Century Fox entitled Francis of Assisi.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 374 pages
A Novel on St Catherine of Siena
by Louis de Wohl
Continuing his popular series of novels about saints of the Church, de Wohl devotes his considerable talents to an interpretation of one of the most unusual women of all time, Saint Catherine of Siena. The daughter of a prosperous dyer in fourteenth- century Siena, Catherine never forgot the mystical experience of her extreme youth; at that time she devoted herself to Christ. It was, however, a shock to her family when, refusing marriage, she insisted on giving her life totally to God.
Her career was extraordinary. In that confused and dangerous era of history, the Pope was living at Avignon: Catherine persuaded him to return to Rome. The City-States of Italy were at war with each other: Catherine subdued them. There was pestilence: Catherine served and saved. She performed miracles, she received the stigmata, she drew about her a crowd of devoted men and women.
A saint who would not let the Lord God alone, she really did lay siege to heaven-and changed the face of her world. This novel, which is also a vivid biography, brings Catherine of Siena to life in a remarkable way. She lives on every page.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 361 pages
The True Story of the Knight of Vivar
by James Fitzhenry
This book is an inspiring biography about an extraordinary Catholic knight chosen by God to save his nation from Islamic aggression. Known by the honorary title of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz is an epic hero who is relevant to our time. Exiled by his king, insulted and maligned by those who should have supported him, he selflessly fought against seemingly insurmountable odds to save Christian Spain. Commanding the respect even of his enemies, upon his death a Muslim historian acclaimed him a "miracle among the great miracles of the Almighty."
The Cid is an example of what can be achieved through devotion to duty, prayer, and trust in God.
Ages: 12 and older
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 186 pages
A Novel about Don Juan of Austria
by Louis de Wohl
Don Juan of Austria, one of history’s most triumphant and inspiring heroes, is reborn in this opulent novel by Louis de Wohl.
Because of the circumstances of his birth, this last son of Emperor Charles the Fifth spent his childhood in a Spanish peasant’s hut. Acknowledged by King Philip as his half-brother, the attractive youth quickly became a central figure in a Court where intrigues and romances abounded. Don Juan’s intelligence, kindness and devout attachment to the Church enabled him to live unscathed in an environment of luxury, violence and treachery.
De Wohl paints in brilliant color the vivid scenes and characters at the Court of King Philip, Juan’s campaign against rebel Moriscos in Andalusia, and the amazing climactic victory at Lepanto where he saved the Christian world from Islamic dominance. Here is a novel of high adventure which brings to life the turbulence of the sixteenth century with its conflicts of wickedness and piety, its sins of pride and conquest, its seething heresies and its great faith.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 497 pages
Catholic Stories of Adventure In the Mission Lands
by Fr Joseph Spillmann, S.J.
Fr. Joseph Spillmann was born at Zug, Switzerland, April 22, 1842. He joined the Jesuits and in 1874 was ordained priest. Due to his poetic gifts he was assigned to work on various periodicals. Spillmann's literary activity resulted chiefly from his connection with these periodicals, especially the Katholische Missionen, which he edited from 1880-90. His Tales of Foreign Lands series contains 21 booklets, consisting of edifying and tastefully illustrated stories for the young. They have been translated into many languages. Newly reprinted by Angelus Press, Volume One combines four of these stories into a single volume.
Love Your Enemies. The Maoris of New Zealand have had enough of being cheated by the English and rebel. Meanwhile, the Patrick O'Neal family, trying to start a new life there, are overtaken by a marauding tribe and must flee for their lives, all the while trying to practice in earnest that hardest of Christian maxims: Love Your Enemies.
Maron. It is Lebanon in 1860, and the Druses are persecuting the Christians under the complicit eye of the Turkish government. The Mufti of Sidon incites the mob to kill the Christian dogs even as his son Ali, sickened by the slaughter, helps his Christian friend Maron flee to the hills, and learns from his actions the reality of grace and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
The Festival of Corpus Christi. Don Pedro and his nephew have accepted their government's commission to shut down the Jesuit missions in Bolivia. Reaching the mission, they discover a village where the Indians are living a civilized, Christian life. Their preparations for the annual Corpus Christi procession and the taming of a savage tribe form the backdrop of this tale.
The Cabin Boys. It is 1798, the ninth year of the bloody French Revolution, and fifteen-year-old Paul and twelve-year-old Albert embark as cabin boys on a sea voyage with unusual cargo in the hold: 200 priests, condemned to forced labor in Cayenne. Gripping adventures await the boys, aided by wise priests at sea and on land, until the tale brings them back home again.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 320 pages
by Nicolas C. Prata
The year is A.D. 1565 and the tiny island fortress of Malta, defended by an anachronistic crusading order called the Knights of St. John Hospitallers, is all that stands between the war machine of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and the very heart of Christendom. Pitifully outmatched and against impossible odds, the indomitable Grand Master Jean Parisot de La Valette nevertheless inspires his knights to "strike a blow for Christ" and sacrifice their lives to halt the invading Turks at the gates of Europe. Nicholas Prata relates the actual events of the Great Siege in riveting and graphic prose which brings the extreme heroism of the knights and the horror of combat sharply into focus.
Age range: 12 years up
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 292 pages
A Novel on St Benedict
by Louis de Wohl
Another of the popular historical novels by the distinguished de Wohl, telling the dramatic story of St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, who played such a major role in the Christianization and civilization of post-Roman Europe in the sixth century. De Wohl weaves an intricate tapestry of love, violence and piety to recount with historical accuracy the story of St. Benedict and the tempestuous era in which he lived.
Since there are no contemporary biographies of this major saint of history and the Church, de Wohl's inspired account is of significant importance on the subject of saint's lives for today's spiritual seekers. Having lived in an era of great immorality and vice, not unlike our world today, Benedict's story has a strong message for modern Christians who seek, as he did, to turn away from the wickedness of the world to find Christ in prayer, study and solitude.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 345 pages
The Society of Jesus and the Betrayal of the Roman Catholic Church
by Malachi Martin
In The Jesuits, Malachi Martin reveals for the first time the harrowing behind-the-scenes story of the "new" worldwide Society of Jesus. The leaders and the dupes; the blood and the pathos; the politics, the betrayals and the humiliations; the unheard-of alliances and compromises. The Jesuits tells a true story of today that is already changing the face of all our tomorrows.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 528 pages
by Msgr Robert Hugh Benson
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 168 pages
by G. K. Chesterton
Father Brown first made his appearance in "The Innocence of Father Brown" in 1911.
This collection contains all of the Father Brown stories, showing thr quiet wit and compassion that has endeared him to many, whilst solving his mysteries by a mixture of imagination and a sympathetic worldliness in a totally believable manner.
Paperback, 411 pages
A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades
by Susan Peek
A new historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who - despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease - performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Teenagers and avid readers of all ages will be amazed at this story and be inspired by a faith that accomplished the impossible!
Age range 13 - adult
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 185 pages
The Conversion of St. Camillus de Lellis
by Susan Peek
There are very few stories written about the life of St. Camillus, but his life story is one that both the young and old would do well to hear. In a style very captivating, Mrs. Peek imparts the fascinating story of this great saint who - at an early and rebellious age - went off to become a 16th century soldier-of-fortune. A belligerent and often brash young soldier, this self-seeking Camillus de Lellis frequently gives in to his passion for gambling and drinking, leaving him, for the most part, in dire straits. And though he sometimes cooperates with grace, he always seems to find himself back in trouble. Ultimately pushed to the brink of utter despair and humiliation, this stray and obstinate soul finally surrenders to the King of Kings, and the soldier of fortune becomes a soldier of Christ. An inspiring story of perseverance and the eventual surrender to the Divine Will.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 228 pages
by Msgr Robert Hugh Benson
In The Necromancers, Robert Hugh Benson sets out to expose the dangers of "Spiritism," interest in which had reached epidemic proportions by the early twentieth century. C. C. Martindale, S.J. commented that, "It is in The Necromancers, that he brings all his heavy artillery to bear on his professed enemy. Here again the uncanny enters, but rises to the heroic level, and achieves the horrible; and I will confess that I can think of no book which reaches so high a pitch of horror, unaided by alien elements."
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 236 pages
by Msgr Robert Hugh Benson
This edition features a foreword by Benson scholar Michael D. Greaney.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 300 pages
Bound by the Seal
Based on the True Story of a Priest who Sacrifices all to Maintain the Seal of Confession
by Fr Joseph Spillmann, S.J.
It is the year 1888 in the idyllic southern French village of Sainte Victoire. Its pastor, Father Francis Montmoulin, is loved by his faithful parishioners and even grudgingly respected by the local anti-clericals.
Tragedy suddenly strikes, however, when a charitable old parishioner is brutally murdered under the priest’s own roof, and a large sum of money destined to build a hospital for the poor is stolen from her.
All the circumstantial evidence points to the innocent priest as the murderer and he becomes the prime suspect. However, Father Montmoulin knows through the confessional who the real culprit is. He is faced with a decision: either break the seal of confession or face shame, scandal and certain death at the guillotine.
This is an entirely revised and re-typeset version of “A Victim to the Seal of Confession”. The language has been updated to suit a modern readership.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 296 pages
A Novel of the Crucifixion
by Louis de Wohl
This novel of the last days of Christ ranges from the palaces of Rome to the strife-torn hills of Judea - where the conflict of love and betrayal, revenge and redemption, reaches a climax in the drama of the Crucifixion. For this is the full story of the world's most dramatic execution, as it affected on of its least-known participants - Longinus, the man who hurled his spear into Christ on the Cross.
Among his many successful historical novels, Louis de Wohl considered The Spear the magnum opus of his literary career.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 401 pages
by Corinna Turner
IN MARGO'S WORLD, IF YOU DON'T PASS YOUR SORTING AT 18 YOU ARE RECYCLED.
LITERALLY.
Margaret Verrall dreams of marrying the boy she loves and spending her life with him. But she's part of the underground network of Believers - and that carries the death penalty. And there's just one other problem. She's going to fail her Sorting. But a chance to take on the system ups the stakes beyond mere survival. Now she has to break out of the Facility - or face the worst punishment of all. Conscious Dismantlement.
"Great style - very good characters and pace. Definitely a book worth reading, like The Hunger Games." EOIN COLFER, author of Artemis Fowl
"An intelligent, well-written and enjoyable debut from a young writer with a bright future." STEWART ROSS, author of The Soterion Mission "This book invaded my dreams." SR. MARY CATHERINE BLOOM O.P
Age range: 15+
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 308 pages
Belinda
A Tale of Affection in Youth and Age
by Hilaire Belloc
Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc, 1870-1853, was born in France of a French Catholic father and an English protestant mother. His mother later converted under the influence of Cardinal Manning, a good friend and mentor of Hilaire. His only sister, Marie Lowndes, was a fairly well-known writer like her brother Hilaire.
Belloc's father died young, leaving his widow in dire financial straits with two young children to support. They moved to England, and they settled in Slindon, West Sussex, where Belloc lived for most of his life. In 1906, he married Elodi Hogan, from Napa California. Their brief but ecstatically happy marriage ended with her death in 1914, after she had borne him five children. He never remarried, and he wore mourning for the rest of his life.
This beautiful and precisely chiseled, almost fairy-taleish narrative, subtitled A Tale of Affection in Youth and Age, must certainly have been a poignant reminder that he himself had, by the inscrutable providence of God, been granted that deep measure of affection in his youth that is so idealistically pictured in Belinda, but denied that affection in old age that is equally well-depicted. This brief novel of human love and affection idealized is a delightful and cheerful reminder that indeed, life can have its moments of beauty, if even only as a foretaste of the delights promised to those blessed with the grace of perseverance unto salvation.
Paperback, size 7.5" x 5", 130 pages
A Dystopian Future as seen by a Catholic Priest
Annotated Version
by Msgr Robert Hugh Benson
A PRIEST’S PROPHETIC VISION OF SOCIETAL AND MORAL DECLINE
Lord of the World is a riveting apocalyptic novel that foretold the future with frightening accuracy. Written in 1907 by Fr. Robert Hugh Benson, this prophetic book contains a dystopian vision that is perilously close to being realized fully today.
Though released over a century ago, the issues and themes Lord of the World explores are startlingly contemporary. Through his masterful writing, Benson transports readers to a disturbing political environment where religion is abolished, euthanasia is encouraged, and an all-powerful secular government rules with an iron fist. It is a world where humanity has lost its moral compass and individual freedoms are severely restricted.
Lord of the World is astonishing in the accuracy of its predictions, from the erosion of spirituality to the rise of anti-Catholic regimes. The pace of social and moral decline examined in Benson’s work has only accelerated in the decades since it was first published, making this landmark of Catholic literature as relevant today as it was upon publication.
This annotated edition provides readers with concise chapter-by-chapter summaries that include helpful elucidations of the text. By contextualizing Benson’s masterpiece, this edition serves to deepen the reader’s appreciation of the author’s immediate concerns at the dawn of the 20th century while grasping its continuing relevance to the beleaguered early decades of the 21st.
Hardcover, size 9.25" x 6.25", 409 pages
by Fr. Daniel A. Lord, S.J.
A murder mystery written by a Catholic priest in the 1950's.
I felt Karl's knee hit mine in sharp hint. So Schwartz was openly bragging that he had found money. Where? This was a crowd of relatively poor men, labourers, artisans, clerks without resources. Schwartz's bragging could mean only one thing, and involuntarily my hand closed over Karl's knee. Schwartz had the missing jewels! Wasn't it clear? We needn't have joined this fool organization to learn the truth. Schwartz had just admitted it openly from the platform! All this was telegraphed between us in the impact of Karl's knee against mine and my answering hand replying wordlessly that I understood, and that the trail was hot.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 100 pages