Boys and girls, men and women alike will enjoy this selection of books. For family books particularly suited to reading aloud go here.

Disclaimer: No book, apart from the Holy Scriptures of God, is wholly pure. I have personally read each of the books listed here and found them to be chiefly wholesome, uplifting, and doctrinally sound. If I have reservations about a specific book I have included them in bold type.

Would you like to recommend your own favorite books?  Please email me.

fiction

The crumbling Roman Empire is withdrawing the last of her troops from Britain, leaving the land to the conflicting claims of Saxons, Celts, and the remaining Romans. Aquila is a young Roman Decurion who discovers at the last minute that his true loyalties belong to Britain rather than the Legion. He returns to his family, only to soon have all he loves destroyed by raiding Sea Wolves, and he himself taken into thralldom. He escapes and discovers his sister and the name of the traitor, but then finds both his love and revenge taken from him to leave only bitterness. All that remains is for him is to join the fight against the treacherous Vortigern and his Saxons—to raise up Ambrosius, the hope of the Romans, as High King of Britain. From the fly-leaf: “This is an exciting chronicle full of stirring incident and bitter conflict. With her customary skill Rosemary Sutcliff brings to vivid life the turbulent period of her story, the time when the last of the Romans in Britain were struggling to carry forward what light they could into the Dark Ages that were to follow.” Not for a long time have I found myself so engrossed by a novel. Miss Sutcliff’s natural descriptions are beautiful, her historic setting fascinating, her characters and themes complex, and her story engaging. Although “officially” a children’s book, adult readers too will find Sutcliff’s writing compelling. (Aquila early in the book decides that God only laughs at prayers. This is not presented as a fact, but as Aquila’s bitter response to tragedies. Only near the end of the book does Aquila just begin to sense that God has orchestrated redemption.) There are a few instances of God’s or Christ’s name used in vain.

Manalive, G. K. Chesterton

I enjoyed this book very much. It was preposterously funny and yet profoundly serious. The story begins with a great wind that sweeps over London, breaking open the grey, foggy clouds and soon to break open the conventional cynicism of modern life. To the dreary garden at Beacon Hill it first brings a white panama hat, then a green umbrella, then a yellow Gladstone bag, and finally a huge man in green sporting clothes. This fantastic and energetic personage is Innocent Smith, a man who takes a really insane delight in life.—Or is it we who are insane for not enjoying life more? When serious charges are leveled against Innocent Smith, the High Court of Beacon sits to decide whether he is as innocent as his name. The charges?—insanity, murder, theft, desertion of his wife, and polygamy. Evidence is brought forward that will give you a wonderfully fresh perspective on life, property, home, and romance as well as the unexpected link between goodness and happiness. This is highly recommended for thoughtful reading; the pages bristle with memorable thoughts and quotable lines. There is one instance of a character using Christ’s name in vain; there are a few uses of mild language.

Millet Tilled the Soil, Sybil Deucher and Opal Wheeler.

Jean François Millet was born a peasant in the coastal village of Gruchy. From a young age his artistic talent was evident, even in the charcoal drawings he traced on his wooden sabots. As a young man, he went to study in Paris, and though there were many struggles, Millet finally achieved artistic fame and the country home for which he longed. I love Millet not only for the beautiful form and color of his work, but for the affection and reverence so evident in his subjects. This dramatized biography for young children is well-written, interesting, and through many stories helps us to better know this simple and pious man. It formed the basis for our picture study this first half-term of home-school.

How I loved reading these stories set in Florida—where the places, the plants, the animals, and the weather were all very familiar to me! Mrs. Douglas’s Florida stories were very popular because in the early 1900’s the exotically beautiful setting was new to literature. The stories themselves are gripping.—There are airplane accidents; encounters with rumrunners, egret poachers, and murderers; hurricanes; mosquitoes; and sawgrass. (My family laughed at how oblivious I was to all else while reading “He Man.”) Yet, the focus of the stories is the landscapes of the country and of the mind. The characters are complex, and we learn something here of regret, perseverance, love, courage, wit, integrity, loyalty, and crazy dreams. Stories in this volume are “Pinelands,” “A Bird Dog in the Hand,” “He Man,” “Twenty Minutes Late to Dinner,” “Plumes,” “Bees in the Mango Bloom,” “By Violence,” “September—Remember,” and “The Road to the Horizon.” A brief introduction to the volume takes each story and describes its environmental and historical contex. This book is a must for any Floridian.

The Robe, Lloyd C. Douglass

Mature subject matter.

The Stranger at Home: A Childhood Account, Unknown

A hardback edition is available from Keepers of the Faith.

The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis

Mature subject matter.

The Two Wealthy Farmers, Hannah More

This is the story of two very different men: Mr. Worthy and Mr. Bragwell. One is a genuine Christian who lives the Scriptures, the other pretends to be what he is not, “religious” until inconvenient. This book is filled with rich conversations between the two as they discuss the Ten Commandments, prayer, and true religion. This incredibly thought-provoking book will make you examine your own life: am I truly obeying God, or am I really only doing what is comfortable anyway? Some details may not be appropriate for very young children. [144 pages] A paperback edition is available from Keepers of the Faith.

nonfiction

101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns, Kenneth W. Osbeck

[283 p and bibliography and index]

Advancing the Kingdom: Declaring War on Humanistic Culture, Donald W. Schanzenbach

This personal or group study has been prepared by a man whose mission is to restore America. Key to such a restoration is Christians who take a proactive role in culture, rather than passively allowing popular culture to infiltrate their minds. This manual makes an excellent introduction to Biblical world-view and its application in philosophy, civil law, education, sociology, economics, the arts, and other cultural aspects. God rules over all elements of civilization, and it is time that His people declared war on humanistic culture. It begins with individuals and homes. [215 pages]

Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith, Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen

[276 p and indexes]

Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, Neil Postman    ✭✭✭✭✭

When censuring the television, one often references the immoral content displayed. Postman goes further: the content should not be of the greatest concern, but rather the very nature of television: an interpretation of reality based on manipulated images flitting constantly on a screen. We cannot reform television: we have to get rid of it! This is an incredibly incisive look at the culture of television. Some concepts may be challenging to grasp, but careful reading will bring rich understanding. [163 pages and index]

Archimedes and the Door of Science, Jeanne Bendick

The title’s presentation on the book cover lends itself to two appropriate readings: The Art of the Commonplace or The Art of the Common Place. Wendell Berry, the great American philosopher, examines in this collection of penetrating essays both the significance of the ordinary and the vital importance of relationship and community. Don’t let the subtitle fool you. This is about life. With reason and wit, Berry examines individuality, marriage, community, industrialism, agriculture, and much more. His famous essay “Solving for Pattern” is included here, wherein Berry argues for solutions that don’t cause new problems. Also included is his lecture “The Pleasures of Eating” in which he famously stated, “Eating is an agricultural act.”

Autumn Across America, Edwin Way Teale

This book is the sometimes amusing, often lyrical, always engrossing record of a remarkable modern odyssey. It documents the second of four monumental journeys chasing the four seasons across North America. Accompanied by his wife Nellie, the literary naturalist Edwin Way Teale begins his pursuit at Cape Cod. What follows is a captivating blend of natural description, travel, science, history, contemplation, human interest, and reminiscent storytelling. Occasional references to macro-evolutionary theory.

Celebrating the Sabbath: Finding Rest in a Restless World, Bruce A. Ray

Christ in the Passover: Why Is This Night Different?, Ceil and Moishe Rosen

[103 p and glossary, bibliography, and index]

Church History in Plain Language, Bruce L. Shelley

[495 pages and notes and index]

Colonial Living, Edwin Tunis

Tunis's books are so delightful! The pages are satisfyingly large, inviting a rainy-day sprawl on the living-room floor to examine the detailed pencil drawings and dip in the interesting and informative text. Tunis concludes the preface with these words: "It's hoped that some picture of our forbears themselves emerge from their ways of life. They weren't always admirable—neither, one fears, are their descendants—but they had qualities of fortitude and of ‘rugged individualism’ that are worth remembering." Architecture, furniture, food, fashion, industry, social customs and more are examined in this classic book.

In an un-intimidating and often humorous fashion, Dreher tackles the major cultural issues of modern America: consumerism, food, home, education, environment, and religion. Proclaiming what he calls “A Crunchy Con Manifesto,” he writes, “Every one of us can refuse, at some level, to participate in the system that makes us materially rich but impoverishes us spiritually, morally, and aesthetically.” Some discretion required.  [250 pages and index]

The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White

If you wish to develop a clean and effective writing style, this slim volume is all you will need. Affectionally known as “Strunk” or “the little book,” it has long been considered by many the final word on fundamental questions of writing style. This classic text is graced with a simplicity and clarity that makes it both easy and pleasurable to read. The articulate and humorous writing testifies both to the skill of the authors and to their personal appreciation of good English. My favorite quote may be this one: “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that a writer make all sentences short, or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.” [84 p]

Everglades Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers of the Historic Everglades..., Roger L. Hammer

An essential reference for those living in South Florida. Cultivate a new appreciation for the beauty and history of local wildflowers, including the “weeds” in the backyard. The guide is indispensable for Everglade hikes and children’s nature study. [220 p and glossary, directory, references, and index]

Face to Face: Meditations on Friendship and Hospitality, Steve Wilkins

The Feasts of the Lord: God’s Prophetic Calendar from Calvary to the Kingdom, Kevin Howard and Marvin Rosenthal

[200 p and bibliography, schedule, and index]

Forgotten Household Crafts, John Seymour

“There  never was a time when it was more important for the health and well-being of humankind that men and women should start to make real things with their own hands again.” So writes John Seymour, the Father of Self-Sufficiency. He laments the modern degradation of housewives and their essential work. “But real homes and real housewives do still exist, and this book has been written in praise of both.” He seeks in this book to restore a proper respect for the art and science of keeping a self-reliant home. Described as “part manual, part celebration,” this treasury documents some of the most ancient and essential household crafts, including food preservation, laundry, textile crafts, and home decoration. The book is richly illustrated with beautiful and detailed ink drawings. I catalogue this title under “Books for Everyone” because boys are equally fascinated by the mechanical explanations and the sometimes amusing anecdotes. [251 p and index]

Spiral-bound. [314 p]

The Foxfire Collection, Inc. Foxfire Fund

1. Foxfire
   

2. “this is the way iI was raise up” .... Aunt Arie .... Wood .... Tools and Skills .... Building a Log Cabin .... Chimney Building .... White Oak Splits .... Making a Hamper out of White Oak Splits .... Making a Basket Out of White Oak Splits .... And Old Chair Maker Shows How .... Rope, Straw, and Feathers are to Sleep on .... A Quilt is Something Human .... Soapmaking .... Cooking on a Fireplace, Dutch Oven, and Wood Stove .... Daniel Manous .... Mountain Recipes .... Preserving Vegetables .... Preserving Fruit .... Churning Your Own Butter .... Slaughtering Hogs .... Curing and Smoking Hog .... Recipes for Hog .... Weather Signs .... Planting by the Signs .... The Buzzard and the Dog .... Home Remedies .... Hunting .... Dressing and Cooking Wild Animal Foods .... Hunting Tales .... Snake Lore .... Moonshining as a Fine Art .... Faith Healing .... Hillard Green    [384 p]
   

3. 
   Foxfire 2
   

4. Maude Shope .... Sourwood Honey .... Beekeeping .... Spring Wild Plant Foods .... Happy Dowdle .... Making an Ox Yoke .... Wagon Wheels Making a Tub Wheel .... Making a Foot-powered Lathe .... From Raising Sheep to Weaving Cloth .... How to Wash Clothes in an Iron Pot .... Anna Howard .... Midwives and Granny Women .... Old-time Burials .... Boogers, Witches, and Haints .... Corn Shuckin’s, House-Raisin’s, Quiltin’s, Pea Thrashin’s, Singin’s, Log Rollin’s, Candy Pullin’s, and .... Kenny Runion    [416 p]
   
   

5. Foxfire 3
   

6. Simmie Free .... Hide Tanning .... Cattle Raising .... Animal Care .... Banjos and Dulcimers .... Purple Martin Gourds .... Dipper Gourds .... Florence and lawton Brooks .... Ginseng .... Summer and Fall Wild Plant Foods .... Woodrowe Shope Builds a Smokehouse .... Building a lumber Kiln .... Butter Churns .... Beluah Perry .... Apple Butter .... Sorghum .... Brooms and brushes .... Cornshuck Mops, Dolls and Hats .... Aunt Nora Garland    [512 p]
   
   

7. Foxfire 4
   

8. Etta and Charlie Ross Hartly .... Knife Making .... Wood Carving .... Fidde Making .... Thomas Campbell, Plow-stock Maker .... Wooden Sleds .... Gardening .... Bird Traps, Deadfalls, and Rabbit Boxes .... Annie Perry .... Horse Trading .... Making Tar .... Logging .... Aunt Lola Cannon .... Water Systems .... Berry Buckets .... Cheese Making .... Rev. A. Rufus Morgan    [496 p]
   
   

9. Foxfire 5
   

10. Will and Magaline Zoellner .... Ironmaking and Blacksmithing [Blast Furnaces, Bellows, Fireplae Pokers, Forge Shivels, Froes, Cowbells, and Horseshoes .... Gunmaking [Black Powder, Barrel Making, Siler Locks, Flintlock Rifles, Modern Gunsmiths, Turkey Shoots, and the NMLRA] .... Bear Hunting [Habits and Habitat, Bear Dogs, Hunting and Trappng, “Honest John,” Buck Fever, and Hunting Lore] .... Carrie Stewart    [512 p]
    
    

11. Foxfire 6
    

12. Jack Waldroop .... Gourd Banjos and Songbows .... Wooden Locks .... Shoemaking .... Toys and Games .... “Uncle John Was in the Crib Stealing Corn” .... “I Did the Best I Could with the Brain Nature Gave Me” .... Memories of the American Chestnut .... The Homeplace .... Includes the biography of an atheist who committed suicide.    [512 p]
    
    

13. Foxfire 7
    

14. The seventh Foxfire volume presents traditions of mountain religious heritage, covering ministers, revivals, baptisms, gospel-singing, faith healing, camp meetings, snake handling, and more.    [512 p]
    
    

15. Foxfire 8
    

16. Southern folk pottery from pug mills, ash glazes, and groundhog kilns to face jugs, churns and roosters; mule swapping, chicken fighting, and more are included in this eighth volume. [512 p]
    
    

17. Foxfire 9
    

18. [512 p]
    
    

19. Foxfire 10
    

20. “The [tenth] volume attempts to give its collection of oral histories a unifying theme. Each topic focuses on the impact of change in the Appalachian region since the turn of the century. There is an excellent history of the Tallulah Falls Railway, as well as recollections of the Depression and federal assistance programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps. The book concludes with the series' customary coverage of regional crafts.”    [512 p]
    
    

21. Foxfire 11
    

22. “[The Eleventh volume] celebrates the rituals and recipes of the Appalachian homeplace, including a one-hundred page section on herbal remedies, and segments about planting and growing a garden, preserving and pickling, smoking and salting, honey making, beekeeping, and fishing, as well as hundreds of the kind of spirited firsthand narrative accounts from Appalachian community members that exemplify the Foxfire style.    [336 p]
    
    

23. Foxfire 12
    

24. “Here are reminiscences about learning to square dance and tales about traditional craftsmen who created useful items in the old-time ways that have since disappeared in most of the country. Here are lessons on how to make rose beads and wooden coffins, and on how to find turtles in your local pond. We hear the voices of descendants of the Cherokees who lived in the region, and we learn about what summer camp was like for generations of youngsters. We meet a rich assortment of Appalachian characters and listen to veterans recount their war experiences.”    [576 p]
    

God and Government series, Gary DeMar

The three titles in this series are A Biblical and Historical Study [205 p], Issues in Biblical Perspective [229 p], and The Restoration of the Republic [303 p].

Heretics, G. K. Chesterton    ✭✭✭✭✭

With characteristic wit and reason, Mr. Chesterton masterfully illuminates weighty topics in his sparkling essays. Specifically, read the percipient “On Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small” and “On Certain Modern Writers and the Institution of the Family.” The first is an argument for the richness of small community in opposition to a cosmopolitan attitude. The latter silences erroneous claims that the family is a narrow society. Chesterton observes: “The man who lives in a small community lives in a much larger world. He knows much more of the fierce varieties and uncompromising divergences of men.”

A hardback edition is available from Vision Forum, published under a new title: The Family.

This thin volume minces no words. Hospitality is a non-negotiable command from God to his people. Everywhere in the New Testament where hospitality is commanded, it is in the context of the sincere brotherly love that stems from obedient love of God. This book will encourage you to fervently pursue the holy calling of hospitality, no matter your personal situation!

America would soon celebrate its bicentennial, and Eliot Wigginton was approached about writing a commemorative book for children. Inspired by his work with Foxfire magazine, Wigginton asked himself, “What would happen if we had Navajo kids talking with Navajo elders, Chicano kids talking with Chicano elders, Eskimo kids—you get the idea. And what if we then brought the results of all those interviews together in on volume? What would we have then?” What we have is a fascinating view of American cultures in the twentieth century—full of stories poignant and humorous, opinions, beliefs, wisdom, and advice for the next generation.

The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yansey

Lincoln Unmasked: What You’re Not Supposed to Know About Dishonest Abe, Thomas DiLorenzo

This companion to DiLorenzo’s The Real Lincoln (see below) explodes the most enduring (and pernicious) myths about America’s sixteenth President. [183 p and appendix, end-notes, and index]

This is the inspiring account of one’s man’s enduring conviction in the face of intense pressure, imprisonment, and eventual execution. King Henry the VII wishes to divorce Catherine Parr for the more beautiful and young Anne Boleyn, but he desires and demands the public approval of his close friend and chancellor Thomas More. More, a devout Catholic, cannot give it, and the treachery of Thomas Cromwell will undo all but his steadfast faith. An introduction from the playwright shares the strengths and weaknesses of the script and stagecraft, as well as his inspiration and purpose for the play. More insults his friend Norfolk in order to save Norfolk from a dangerous friendship, using the word b*tch to question his lineage in the context of a discussion about dogs.

North With the Spring: A Naturalist’s Record of a 17,000-Mile Journey With the North American Spring, Edwin Way Teale

The America naturalist Edwin Way Teale and his wife Nellie embark on the first of four monumental journeys chasing the different seasons across the North American continent. Their spring journey begins in the Everglades of Florida and, over a period of four months, steadily moves north to the Canadian border. This generously sized volume is filled with the beautiful lyricism, attention to detail, and contagious love for nature characteristic of Mr. Teale’s writings. Each page is imbued with the sense of wonder and renewal that comes with the spring season. Whether in the sultry regions of oaks draped in shaggy Spanish moss or on the mountains of New England, a new cycle of life is beginning. Wildflowers show their cheerful faces, birds begin their serenading, the days grow longer and warmer, and everywhere new life and growth enlivens land and water both. Along the way, Mr. and Mrs. Teale meet and work with local naturalists, professional and amateur. Whether they hunt rattlesnakes in the Florida scrub or medicinal herbs in the Great Smokies, they find fascinating adventure. Occasional references to macro-evolutionary theory. [337 pages and index]

The Patriot’s Handbook, compiled by George Grant, Ph.D.

A new generation of Americans is reaching the voting age with little understanding of our nation’s history or government. One survey has even shown that college students are more likely to know the names of the three stooges than the three constitutional branches of our government. This is very disturbing when one considers that these young people will be the leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Grant hopes that his Patriot’s Handbook, a compilation of poems, histories, and national documents, will instruct, inspire, and equip young and old American alike in godly patriotism. [464 pages]

Plutarch’s Lives [or Parallel Lives], Plutarch [translation by John Dryden and Arthur Hugh Clough]

Mature subject matter.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Study, Hubert Foss.

This is an excellent book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the Romantic English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was invaluable to me in preparing a study for the Soirée Society of the Arts. There are so many fascinating details and observations here about Vaughan Williams and his music. Most interesting is the “Musical Autobiography” contributed by the composer himself.

The Real Lincoln: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War, Thomas DiLorenzo

History revisionists are rewriting textbooks to affirm their liberal agendas. The Civil War was not fought, as many are taught, to free the slaves, but to determine the balance between state sovereignty and federal power. When Lincoln won the War he gave the central government unprecedented and dangerous power; we are suffering the consequences today. In this fully-documented book, Mr. DiLorenzo tears down the myths and falsehoods perpetuated by the “Lincoln Cult.” While we should respect our leaders we should not do so at the expense of truth; this is the truth about Lincoln and an Uncivil War. [305 p]

Robert’s Rules of Order Simplified and Applied, Robert McConnell Productions

This comprehensive and authoritative text explains parliamentary procedure in clear, modern English, and demonstrates its practical and effective application with real-life scripts. Well organized and cross-referenced, this text includes step-by-step strategies and explanations; examples of agendas, minutes, and bylaws; and time-saving techniques. It also addresses modern issues of online meetings and email voting. This text is essential to anyone who plans to organize a club or society. Develop important leadership and cooperative skills. Learn how to communicate and to handle business in an organized and efficient manner. [340 pages and appendice and index”]

I read the forward and I knew I would love the book; just a few chapters later, the book had a place on my wish list. The title itself is a delight and comes from a few lines by Alexander Pope: “True ease in writing comes from art not chance,/ As those move easiest who have learn’d to dance.” Mary Oliver, a winner of the Pulitzer prize for her poetry, expertly and winsomely teaches the rules of writing, scanning, and reading metrical poetry. Once these are understood, beauty and variety are achieved through accordance and embellishment. Topics include breath, pattern, energy, rhyme, and style. Half the volume is an illustrative anthology including some of the greatest metrical poetry in the English language. (Those who want to read about metrical poetry in greater depth may be interested in Timothy Steele’s book All the Fun’s In How You Say a Thing.)

The Songs of Insects, Lang Elliott and Wil Hershberger

The Orientals were enchanted by the singing insects, and made pets of them—especially of the crickets, to whom they gave such endearing names as “grass lark” and “little bell-ringer in the bamboo grove.” Authors Elliott and Hershberger are enthusiastic about these beautiful singers, and hope to inspire a similar passion in the United States. The book features crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. Each species included is fabulously and crisply pictured both on vegetation an in a white-box. These are accompanied by a brief description of the creature’s appearance, habitat, and song. Also included is a sonogram, providing a visual representative of the insect’s songs. A range map makes it easy to decide whether you might find the species in your area. Many are found in the eastern US. Each species in keyed to the corresponding sound track on the accompanying CD recording. Hear for yourself the song of any insect you choose; for many species you can also hear how temperature and other factors affect a species’ song.This is a wonderful addition to the nature book shelf, and one that will encourage you in a new awareness and appreciation for these marvelous little creatures. No evolution is included, which is a true refreshment. Mating is described forthrightly, which may be a concern for parents of younger children. [213 p and index] CD audio recording included. [70”] Visit the book’s supporting website. <http://www.musicofnature.com/songsofinsects/index.html>

Professor William Waterman Sherman retired from a teaching job in San Francisco, intending to enjoy a leisurely, year-long trip in a hot-air balloon; but balloons are nothing if not unpredictable. Professor Sherman floated away over the Pacific Ocean in one balloon, but only weeks later is found stranded in the Atlantic Ocean with the wreckage of twenty balloons. What happened between is a fantastic story he will reveal only at the Western American Explorers’ Club in San Francisco. This book is full of quirky humor, eccentric characters, incredible inventions, fabulous wealth, and a secret utopian society run under a Gourmet Government. This Newberry Award winner is a family favorite for its outlandish story and wonderful diagrams of fascinating inventions.

This marvelous little book had Biggest Brother and I excitedly discussing inflation, depression, and recession. Maynard very clearly discusses these economic problems from the perspective of the Austrian and Monetarist theories. Information is placed in a historical context, and communicated in the interesting form of letters from an economist to his young nephew. We are hoping to read the sequel Whatever Happened to Justice?, which explains how the legal system effects the economy.

William Morris and Morris & Co., Lucia van der Post

“That thing by which I mean real is art is the expression of man of his happiness in labour,” said William Morris. “If I were asked to say what is at once the most important production of art and the thing most to be longed for, I should answer a beautiful house.” Each chapter in this slim volume addresses one of six principles that guided the work of renowned architect and home decorator William Morris: craft, color, honesty, pattern, nature, and legend. [90 p]

poetry

Golden Hours: Heart-Hymns of the Christian Life , Elizabeth Payson Prentiss

These beautiful, real poems express a wide variety of human emotion—sorrow, pain, bereavement, joy, and love for the Savior. A paperback edition is available from Keepers of the Faith. [135 p]