TAN Books
The First Missionary Martyr to the Muslims
by Bl Ramon Llull
translated by Fr Robert Nixon, OSB
Blessed Ramon Llull’s ultimate act of final perseverance was not one single decision made by grace, but the culmination of a life spent adhering to the will of God. The Memoirs of Blessed Ramon Llull is a thrilling narrative, reading almost like an action novel. In this autobiographical work, he humbly details his triumphs as well as his own weaknesses and disappointments. Due to rivalries between Catholic leaders, Bl. Ramon’s missionary zeal faced indifference from within the Church as well as resistance from without.
This Franciscan tertiary is known as the Doctor Illuminatus because he wrote over 300 works that span dozens of disciplines, not least of which is his Greater Art (Arts Major). TAN’s edition of Llull’s autobiography also includes substantial extracts from his Booklet about the End. Translated in English for the first time, by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, this work gives a detailed outline of his request made to Pope Clement V and the College of Cardinals for the establishment of monastic academies to train future missionaries in foreign languages. Unfortunately, his request was denied. A visionary among his fellow clergymen, Bl. Ramon was alone in recognizing the importance of learning the vernacular of the unconverted nations. Despite this and various additional disappointments he experienced, Bl. Ramon never swayed from the work Christ called him to.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5", 130 pages
The Bishop Who Roared Against The Nazis
by Fr. Daniel Utrecht
“The dear God placed me in a position in which I had a duty to call black 'black' and white 'white'.” These words were spoken by Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, the bishop of the diocese of Münster in Germany from 1933 to 1946. In so doing, he risked death at the hands of the Nazis, one Gestapo leader even urging that he be publicly hanged. Joseph Goebbels and others in the Nazi leadership, knowing the bishop’s popularity, advised waiting, subscribing to the adage that “revenge is a dish best served cold.”
In this, the definitive English-language biography of the great Lion of Münster, readers will encounter the young von Galen as he learns the Catholic faith and love of the fatherland from his family, members of the German aristocracy. A nobleman, a “prince” of his people and of his Church, the boy grew into a man, a six-and-a-half-foot tall giant of a man, who, though he loved his homeland, loved God, His Church, and His law even more; for he knew that calling his homeland back to the ways of God is the one way in which a bishop can best demonstrate that love for the people under his spiritual care. And so, in three magnificent sermons and countless other speeches, communiques, and gestures, the Lion roared.
This story of his life and his stirring words provides readers with an indispensable glimpse into the confrontation between Church and State in Hitler’s Germany and will serve as a reminder to all men and women of good will of the duty to call black ‘black’ and white ‘white.’
Hardcover, size 9.25" x 6.25", 424 pages
Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls II
by Catholic Nuns in America
Continue your family’s reading adventures with Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls, Volume II! In the second volume of this four-part series read:
- “Ottawanta”—The story of Chief Ottawanta and the hardships he endured to live the Faith
- “Elizabeth Bayley Seton”—The life story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- “Anina”—The story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s daughter, Anina
- “Silver Wings”—Mary Gertrude's airplane ride with her father—and God
- “John Philip”—John Philip’s adventure when he visits the circus
Written to be read aloud for the entire family’s entertainment, Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls offers four volumes each holding a handful of happy and courageous stories, compiled and written by Catholic nuns in the 1930's. Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls appeals to the whole family by using simple vocabulary to engage children but also providing well-developed plots to captivate adults’ interest.
Each story highlights a different virtue, and, to reinforce the virtue, every chapter closes with a two-line rhyming verse that provides both a chapter summary and a pithy message, all underlining the books’ main theme—the Church gives life to the soul through grace. Excellent when read by children, and even better when read to children by parents and older siblings, these timeless stories show the reward of virtue by the wondrous events that occur when one is generous with God.
As taken from the front cover of the book, the stories herein are republished in the hope that in a small way the Faith, Culture, and Tradition of the Holy Catholic Church may be preserved for our most prized possession, our children.
Our prayer for these books is the same as Baltimore’s first Archbishop, the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, prayed when these books were first published:
“May our Divine Lord bless each boy and girl who reads these stories, as well as every one who helps to place them in their hands.”
Hardcover, size 7" x 4.75", 140 pages, Illustrated
Catholic Stories For Boys and Girls IV
by Catholic Nuns in America
Finish off Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls with the last book in this classic series! In the final volume of this four-part series read:
- "The Dawn of Spring"—Old Louis's reflections on eternity looking forward to spring
- "The Land of Erin"—The adventures of Saint Patrick, from his homeland to heaven and St Brigid
- "The Flowery Kingdom"—Blessed John Gabriel’s zeal for sanctity
- "The Lion Tamer"—The faith and strength of Saint Martina in the face of the wild beasts and the pagan Emperor Alexander
- "A Shepherd and His Sheep"—The life of Saint Vincent de Paul
Written to be read aloud for the entire family’s entertainment, Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls offers four volumes each holding a handful of happy and courageous stories, compiled and written by Catholic nuns in the 1930's. Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls appeals to the whole family by using simple vocabulary to engage children but also providing well-developed plots to captivate adults’ interest.
Each story highlights a different virtue, and, to reinforce the virtue, every chapter closes with a two-line rhyming verse that provides both a chapter summary and a pithy message, all underlining the books’ main theme—the Church gives life to the soul through grace. Excellent when read by children, and even better when read to children by parents and older siblings, these timeless stories show the reward of virtue by the wondrous events that occur when one is generous with God.
As taken from the front cover of the book, the stories herein are republished in the hope that in a small way the Faith, Culture, and Tradition of the Holy Catholic Church may be preserved for our most prized possession, our children.
Our prayer for these books is the same as Baltimore’s first Archbishop, the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, prayed when these books were first published:
“May our Divine Lord bless each boy and girl who reads these stories, as well as every one who helps to place them in their hands.”
Hardcover, size 7"x4.75", 144 pages
by Catholic Nuns in America
Begin your family’s reading adventures with Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls, Volume I! In this first volume of the four-part series read:
- “The Best Deed”—A class of Confirmation students is challenged to find a remarkable deed to perform within the next week. To try and win the prize statue, one girl decides to give up candy, but her encounters with a dying man at her father’s hospital allow her to perform the most remarkable deed of all: helping another earn his salvation.
- “The Wreath of Flowers”—Angelo’s devotion to the rosary helps himself and others, both physically and spiritually, throughout his whole life.
- “Pedro of the Water Jars”—As an explorer with Christopher Columbus in 1492, young Pedro journeys to the New World to find a new home.
- “The Little Dove of Our Lady”—This story tells about the childhood of St. Catherine Labouré.
- “The Great Gift of Our Lady”—Continuing from the previous tale, "The Great Gift of Our Lady" tells about St. Catherine when she is a fully professed nun.
- “Black Robe”—See the dangers St. Isaac Jogues bravely faces to save souls in the wilderness.
Written to be read aloud for the entire family’s entertainment, Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls offers four volumes, each holding a handful of happy and courageous stories, compiled and written by Catholic nuns in the 1930's. Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls appeals to the whole family by using simple vocabulary to engage children but also providing well-developed plots to captivate adults’ interest.
Each story highlights a different virtue, and, to reinforce the virtue, every chapter closes with a two-line rhyming verse that provides both a chapter summary and a pithy message, all underlining the books’ main theme—the Church gives life to the soul through grace. Excellent when read by children, and even better when read to children by parents and older siblings, these timeless stories show the reward of virtue by the wondrous events that occur when one is generous with God.
As taken from the front cover of the book, the stories herein are republished in the hope that in a small way the Faith, Culture, and Tradition of the Holy Catholic Church may be preserved for our most prized possession, our children.
Our prayer for these books is the same as Baltimore’s first Archbishop, the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, prayed when these books were first published:
“May our Divine Lord bless each boy and girl who reads these stories, as well as every one who helps to place them in their hands.”
Hardcover, size 7" x 4.75", 138 pages
by Fr Michael Mueller, C.Ss.R.
In Prayer: The Key to Salvation, Fr. Michael Müller shows that prayer is the way that God, in His Providence, has ordained as the ordinary means to reach heaven.
Drawing on Scripture, the lives of the saints, miracles, and many other revelations, this short but powerful book will help you to pray and gain eternal salvation.
With chapters on the necessity of prayer, the efficacy of prayer, the power of prayer, and the practice and methods of prayer, Fr. Müller will give you a clear and helpful insight on how to pray for your own salvation and the salvation of others. He will also explain that failing to pray gravely jeopardizes our souls.
This is a book that every Catholic should read; the importance of prayer and its relationship to our salvation makes this book an invaluable resource. You will read not once, but many times, and turn back to it whenever you are in need of encouragement in your prayer life. Through frequent meditation on the lessons in this book, take up the sweet yoke of prayer, and your path to sainthood will be made easy and light.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 280 pages
by Fr. Michael Mueller, C.Ss.R.
Few Catholics have anywhere near an adequate appreciation for the glory and splendors of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass—the central aspect of our Holy Faith. Fr. Michael Muller’s famous masterpiece on this glorious subject will come as a magnificent and direly needed revelation to many Catholic souls. Fr. Muller joins a wealth of Catholic traditions, biblical facts, and enthralling true stories from Catholic history and the lives of the saints to show that, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we possess something of infinite value: the only gift we can offer to Almighty God which is not miserably unworthy of Him and through which we can obtain from Him every possible favour.
The Catholic Church is the only home for our dear Saviour. The Catholic Church is the only place on earth that has a true and holy spirit of sacrifice worthy of offering to God. The Catholic Church is the only place where we can receive the full splendors of grace through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Divine Liturgy. Eternity will not be long enough that we overcome the regret of missing a single Mass, for the reader will be given scores of reasons to convince him that every transient sacrifice pales in comparison with the bounty received from participating just once in the Eternal Sacrifice. The reader of The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will soon come to realize that the Mass is an inexhaustible mine of graces, the source of all favors from God, and absolutely the thing of greatest value in the entire universe: for it is the Sacrifice of Our Lord Himself.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 589 pages
by Fr William R. Bonniwell, O.P.
Hunchback, midget, blind, lame and ugly. Walled in next to a chapel for 14 years; abandoned by her parents at a shrine, she grew in virtue and fame. Her body remains incorrupt.
One of the most inspiring stories we have ever read!
Paperback, size 8.25" x 5.5", 128 pages
by Charles A. Coulombe
The Holy Grail: it conjures images of a rich and fantastic world full of magnificent adventures and perilous quests by gallant knights. It whispers of strange mysteries and fabled conspiracies staged by Templars, Cathars, Nazis, and innumerable secret societies. Was it the Cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, or something else? Is there any truth to the wonders and marvels bards and poets associated with it?
After years of being co-opted by pop culture and New Agers, what significance can this fairy tale still hold for Catholics? Ah, but this is no fairy tale! As A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail shows, not only does the Grail exist, its whereabouts are known today!
Charles Coulombe examines the fabled vessel's literary and historical connections, but he offers far more than a stuffy history of a dusty old cup. Rather, he shows how the Holy Grail is the key to an entire genre of glorious relics and miraculous phenomena that extend from the time of Christ to the present day. A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail uncovers the Grail's intrinsic connections to Catholic Monarchy and Chivalry, to the Precious Blood of Christ, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts devotions, and to the Kingship of Christ and Queenship of Mary, as well as its ties to the Passion of Our Lord and the Blessed Sacrament.
Indeed, the Holy Grail is not a myth, but a living reality, a key to a new understanding of the world in which we all live. As far in time and space as the Crucifixion at Golgotha and Medieval deeds of knightly valour, and as close as the next Mass you attend, the Holy Grail is there, a real myth. The Grail is proof that when J.R.R. Tolkien asks: "Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?" it can truly be answered: "A man may do both . . . The green earth, say you? That is a mighty matter of legend, though you tread it under the light of day!"
In these pages, discover the reality of the legend of the Holy Grail!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 264 pages
A first book for little Catholic Girls
Saints for Girls is a beautiful treasure for little Catholic girls with saint stories they will love, remember, and admire. It contains illustrations on every page, with over half in full color. This title is suggested for pre-schoolers through second graders.
Saints included in this edition are: Genevieve, Elizabeth, Frances Cabrini, Helena, Brigid, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and Bernadette.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5.75", 104 pages
by Janet Erskine Stuart
"We insist on the teaching of handicrafts, training of the senses in observation, development of knowledge, taste, and skills which are useful for life, and for girls especially on things which make the home."
A century after its first publication, Mother Janet Erskine Stuart's classic The Education of Catholic Girls is back, and it is as relevant and useful as ever! Practical as it is pious, witty as it is wise, this collection of counsels not only helps educators in school or at home meet Catholic girls' special intellectual needs, it offers sage strategies for whole-person formation, showing us how to help our girls grow into virtuous Catholic women.Catholic girls among other girls, writes Mother Stuart, and Catholic women among other women, have the privilege as well as the duty of upholding what is highest.
The Education of Catholic Girls will help you teach your girls, whether through math and science, needlework, Catholic philosophy, or good manners, to uphold what is highest; it will help you train them to live a perfectly honorable and fearless life.
This centenary edition of The Education of Catholic Girls features English translations of the original's foreign phrases and quoted sources (Mother Stuart's presumption about her readers' knowledge of Latin, French, and German points to something education has lost over the years), as well as a new preface by Catholic homeschooling author and speaker Susie Lloyd.
Chapters on: Religion, Character, Realities of Life, Lessons and Play, Mathematics, Natural Science and Nature Study, English, Modern Language, History, Art, Manners, Higher Education.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 266 pages
A First Book for Little Catholic Boys
Saints for Boys is compiled especially for little Catholic boys preschool-age up through the second-grade level with over forty illustrations in full color—one on every page. These stories will be loved by little Catholics and will remain in their hearts and memories for years.
Saints included in this edition are: Aloysius Gonzaga, Vincent de Paul, Dominic Savio, Francis of Assisi, the Archangel Gabriel, Joseph, Patrick, Benedict, and Michael the Archangel. Also included are some special and important first prayers.
Originally published: Guild Press, 1961.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5.75, 104 pages
Crown of the Virgin
An Ancient Meditation on Mary's Beauty, Virtue and Sanctity
by St Ildephonsus of Toledo
In this book, St. Ildephonsus of Toledo provides a powerful, imaginative and lyrical set of meditations on the Immaculate Mother of God, reflecting on her splendour, beauty and sanctity.
This publication is the first translation into English of a Latin work, entitled Libellus de Corona Virginis, or “The Little Book on the Crown of the Virgin.” Traditionally, it has been ascribed to St. Ildephonsus of Toledo, a great monk, abbot and bishop of the 7th century. St. Ildephonsus contributed powerfully to the dissemination of the doctrine of the Perpetual Virginity of Our Lady in Western Europe, and to the popularization of fervent Marian devotion in Spain. In this beautiful, moving and ornate literary portrait, the author imaginatively and lyrically fashions a magnificent crown for the Blessed Virgin Mary, decorated with twelve radiant jewels, six brilliant stars and six fragrant flower blossoms. Each of these is interpreted as representing a particular aspect of the beauty, beneficence, virtue or sanctity of the Blessed Virgin.
A perfect companion for guiding daily devotion to the Mother of Mercy and the Queen of Heaven, each chapter reveals a new and scintillating glimpse into the glories of Mary, sure to inspire the heart of the reader with ever more ardent devotion to the Mother of God, the vessel of all graces and the paradigm and perfection of every virtue. As a guide to meditation and a catalyst for prayer, the Crown of the Virgin is an illuminating mirror of the beauty and splendour of the one who is herself the refulgent and immaculate image of her Divine Son.
Hardcover, size 7.25" x 5.25", 144 pages
by Venerable Mary of Agreda
This book is composed of four volumes that summarize the life of Our Lady: the Conception, Incarnation, Transfixion, and Coronation. This magnificent narrative takes the reader through the various stages of the life of the Blessed Mother while revealing all sorts of interesting facts about salvation history.
This set includes beautiful hardcover binding with elegant gold-foil details. The interior is reproduced at 100% of the size in the original book and is printed from the original negatives for complete fidelity.
4 volumes Hardcover, size 8.5" x 5.5", 2676 pages
by Fr. Ignatius Schuster, D.D.
Fr. Ignatius Schuster brings the Bible to life in this powerful textbook for students in junior high. Used in Catholic schools for years, Bible History: Of the Old and New Testaments covers thoroughly and enjoyably the most famous events narrated in the Old and New Covenants. Students will have a wonderful time learning about salvation history—while growing in holiness and understanding of the Sacred Scriptures as well.
Nothing is more important to education than catechesis, and within it, there is arguably nothing more important than Scriptural competency. Give your students the best with Fr. Schuster's Bible History, a trusted mainstay for decades.
This text is suitable for use in Catholic grade schools and homeschool from sixth through eighth grades.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.5", 404 pages, 80 beautiful drawings of biblical events
A Textbook of the Old and New Testaments for Catholic Schools
by Fr. George Johnson, Fr. Jerome Hannan, and Sr. M. Dominica, O.S.U.
This book is one of the finest Bible texts for grade school students. Covering both the Old and New Testaments, this history treats each book of the Bible with clarity and precision in a way suitable for students in junior high. The textbook comes complete with:
- 23 maps
- 165 enthralling pictures
- Side notes on each page
- Index
- Pronouncing Vocabulary
- Wording suitable for sixth to eighth grades
Written to a high standard, this text is geared for students in Catholic schools or homeschool. Give your students the best introduction to the Sacred Scriptures they can get with Bible History.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 590 pages
Revelations of St. Bridget
on the Life and Passion of Our Lord and the Life of His Blessed Mother
by St. Bridget of Sweden
Saint Bridget of Sweden was one of the most privileged mystics in the history of the Church. Born to a wealthy family, she was given in marriage to a pious and good-hearted nobleman, with whom she raised eight children, including the future Saint Catherine of Sweden. When her husband died, Bridget founded an order of nuns, the Order of the Most Holy Savior, more commonly called the Bridgettines. She laboured until her death to spread her order and boost morality and devotion in the decadent 14th century Church. She also labored to bring the papacy back to Rome from Avignon. In all her efforts, she was wise, charitable, and outstanding in sanctity.
Devout from a young age, Saint Bridget also received numerous visions of Our Lord and Our Lady, including intimate details of Our Lady's early life, the Holy Family in Nazareth, and the Passion, first recorded in 1492. Revelations of St. Bridget provides excerpts from these eye-opening visions, which bring into focus many unknown facets of the hidden life of Our Lord and His Mother. These visions have been approved as orthodox and worthy of pious belief by the Holy See. The insights received by Saint Bridget are matched by very few other mystics', showing her privileges before the Throne of God. This volume also includes the famous 15 Prayers attributed to her, popular devotions in the late Middle Ages and our own era.
Do not miss these stirring and vivid accounts from one of the greatest foundresses of the Church's history. Imbued throughout her visions is the undeniable spirit of piety, devotion, and saintliness that characterized St. Bridget's earthly life—and by which she merited to become privy to such sublime mysteries.
Paperback, size 6" x 4", 96 pages
A Complete History of the Catholic Church to the Present Day
for High School, College, and Adult Reading
by Fr John Laux, M.A.
From the beginning to 1940. Written for both students and adults. The author intersperses the history with many brief, interesting biographies of famous people, and at the end of each chapter he quotes briefly from a famous writing of the era, blending a medley of elements into a comprehensive historical composition that is at once brilliant and fascinating. A story of the Church unparalleled in its scope, depth, variety and impact, and a book all Catholics should read.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 686 pages
The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride
by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
In his masterful 12th-century work, The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride, St. Bernard of Clairvaux--the "Doctor Mellifluus" or "Honey-Sweet Doctor"-- eloquently crafts a soul's guide to spiritual ascent and descent. With his deep understanding of human nature and his own monastic experience, St. Bernard outlines a path that leads away from the self-deception of pride towards the liberating embrace of humility.
St. Bernard illustrates humility as the foundation of a life anchored in truth, where self-knowledge and the recognition of God's greatness kindle the desire for inner transformation. In contrast, pride is depicted as a deceptive force, leading one away from God and into the isolation of self-importance. The saint's discerning eye lays bare the subtle gradations between these two extremes, offering a ladder of spiritual progression for the earnest seeker.
For nearly a millennium, the "honey-sweet" words of the Doctor Mellifluus have resonated with those yearning for a deeper relationship with the divine. This book is not merely a historical artifact; it is a living text that speaks directly to the heart, offering wisdom that transcends the centuries. For anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of spiritual growth, The Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride offers a compass that points unerringly to the transformative power of humility in a life consecrated to God.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 144 pages
Infamous Myths About the Church's Past and How to Answer Them
by Diane Moczar, PhD
In Seven Lies about Catholic History, Diane Moczar (author of Islam at the Gates) tackles the most infamous and prevalent historical myths about the Church—popular legends that you encounter everywhere from textbooks to T.V.—and reveals the real truth about them. She explains how they got started and why they're still around, and best of all, she gives you the facts and the arguments you need to set the record straight about:
- The Inquisition: how it was not a bloodthirsty institution but a merciful (and necessary) one;
- Galileo's trial: why moderns invented a myth around it to make science appear incompatible with the Catholic faith (it's not);
- The Reformation: why the 16th-century Church was not totally corrupt (as even some Catholics wrongly believe), as well as how the reformers made things worse for everybody;
- And other lies that the world uses to attack and discredit the Faith
Written in a brisk style that's fun and easy to read, Seven Lies about Catholic History provides the lessons that every Catholic needs in order to defend and explain not just apologize for the Church's rich and complex history.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 200 pages