What do British fantasy epics, Russian family dramas, ancient philosophy, and Christian apologetics have in common? This might sound like the setup of a joke or riddle, but it’s the premise of the latest book from philosophy professor and prolific author Peter Kreeft.
Now 89 years old, Kreeft has penned over 100 books on philosophical and religious topics. He’s been a professor of philosophy at Boston College for over 60 years. Over his scholarly career, Kreeft has taken an unusual position, namely, applying philosophy to Christian apologetics. As a Calvinist in childhood who converted to Catholicism during his college years, he believes in the unity of different denominations and often uses nonsectarian language which can apply to all Christians and non-Christians alike.
Last year his latest book was published: “The Two Greatest Novels Ever Written: The Wisdom of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Brothers Karamazov.’” In this simple yet profound book, Kreeft uses two renowned fictional classics to pierce the mysteries of philosophical truths and theological concepts.
While it may seem illogical to use two complex novels to delve into the even more complex fields of philosophy and religion, this brilliant scholar manages to simplify the books and the concepts in 15 short chapters. //
Anyone earnestly seeking the truth will likely be enriched by reading this thoughtful analysis. Wrapping such inspiring philosophy in an analysis of two fictional novels isn’t a gimmick. The very point of the book is that art is the most powerful vehicle for truth. In the Introduction, Kreeft writes:
“Beauty is the point of the arrow that first pierces the heart, which is also the first door we open to God, however anonymously. … The arrows of beauty enter the heart in order to break it. … The heartbreak is art’s holy task. It’s like digging: It creates a space for truth and goodness to fill.”
Covering most of America’s history, here are 10 single-volume books discussing the most important eras in US history.
One minute the two space Hab astronauts were scoop-diving the atmosphere, the next they'd been shot down over the North Dakota Glacier and were the object of a massive manhunt by the United States government.
That government, dedicated to saving the environment from the evils of technology, had been voted into power because everybody knew that the Green House Effect had to be controlled, whatever the cost. But who would have thought that the cost of ending pollution would include not only total government control of day-to-day life, but the onset of a new Ice Age
Stranded in the anti-technological heartland of America, paralyzed by Earth's gravity, the "Angels" had no way back to the Space Habs, the last bastions of high technology and intellectual freedom on or over the Earth. But help was on its way, help from the most unlikely sources ...
From Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and bestselling author Janie Nitze! Explore the courage and sacrifice of some of the heroes of the American Revolution and the stories behind the document that started it all—The Declaration of Independence.
In the spring of 1776, the streets of Philadelphia buzzed with the sounds of revolution. Talk of war and rumors of spies swirled in the air. Noisy debates spilled out of taverns. The State House bell tolled urgently, calling men to meetings and momentarily drowning out the normal hum of the port city.
Dive into the stories of ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things, from iconic figures like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Paul Revere, to lesser-known revolutionaries such as Caesar Rodney, Thomas Paine, and Mary Katherine Goddard. These great men and women risked all they had—their property, freedom, and ultimately their lives—to secure a better life for their children and grandchildren. Packed with firsthand accounts and vivid depictions of the patriots’ struggle for freedom, Justice Gorsuch’s and Janie Nitze’s debut children’s book thoughtfully investigates the foundations of our country, centering the human experience at the heart of it all.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Heroes of 1776, a celebration of the ideals upon which this country stands, told with humanity in only the way Justice Gorsuch and Janie Nitze can. //
Carolyn
5 out of 5 stars
Be prepared to be moved by this book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase
I ordered this book because I heard Justice Gorsuch promoting the book in a TV interview. I liked what he said, and I thought it might be a good gift for my younger relatives. I’m cautious about gifting books that I haven’t read, especially for children. So upon its arrival, I sat down to read it and I was so moved that it caught me off guard. I studied American history and the creation of the Declaration of Independance in high school and in college. I’ve seen the movies. I’ve watched the documentaries. I’ve even gone to DC and viewed the document. I know the story, or at least I thought I did. But not like this. This story made it real, because, to use the authors’ words, “At the heart of it all were ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things and risk all they had to secure a better life for themselves, their children, and generations to come.“ They didn’t teach this part of the story in school. I never knew how extraordinary these ordinary people were. I have a new appreciation for the Declaration of Independence and for the men and women who sacrificed so much to create this experiment, we call America. This book is not just for children. It is for everyone of any age. Order a copy or a few. You, can thank me later.
It's that sharp decline in young people's knowledge of how and why America was founded, and our form of government, that prompted Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch to write "Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration." The book is aimed at both school-aged kids and adults. During a recent interview promoting the book, Gorsuch gave some startling figures:
"Only about 13% of kids today in eighth grade are proficient in American history — [and just] 22% in civics. Six out of 10 adults would fail our citizenship test." //
Gorsuch added that much of his inspiration for the book came from former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who founded a civics non-profit after her time on the nation's highest court. Gorsuch said of O'Connor and her work,
"As she was leaving the court, she reflected that civic education in this country is a problem. And for a lot of reasons, it's simply not being taught anymore."
Gorsuch offered up some other disturbing facts. In 2019, only one-third of Americans could name all three branches of government. He stated that this was concerning, given the fact that all three branches "interact" and "check" one another against overreach. //
We know why American history and civics are no longer taught in public schools. The agenda of the teachers' unions is not for students to be knowledgeable in history and civics, but in climate change, transgender issues, and why America is inherently a racist nation. They know that if kids are taught about history or civics, it will be that much harder to indoctrinate them on left-wing ideology and hate the country.
ALSO READ: How Much Confidence Do Americans Have in the Supreme Court? A New Poll Says Not Much
Gorsuch said that history and civics education isn't a left- or right-issue for him and his fellow justices. He added, "If you polled the nine of us in our conference room, one thing we could all agree on is the importance of learning American history."
That agreement among the justices on Americans' knowledge of history and civics is encouraging. Neil Gorsuch summed it up, saying, "Because how else are you going to carry this thing forward? Somebody has to run the zoo." //
TheBlaze @theblaze
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Justice Neil Gorsuch: “We’re a creedal nation. What unites us is not a religion, not a race, it’s a belief in those ideas in the Declaration of Independence.”
7:37 PM · May 6, 2026
The morality, psychology, and science of ethical child-raising
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These captivating reads offer some needed and expert perspectives on our quest to understand the universe and our place within it.
Digital books have grown in popularity over the past decade, but more Americans still read books in print than in digital formats.
Overall, 75% of U.S. adults say they have read all or part of at least one book in the past 12 months, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2025. While book reading is widespread, the survey also shows that participation in book clubs is much less common.
Print continues to be the only book format used by a majority of Americans. Roughly two-thirds of adults say they have read a physical book in the past 12 months, according to our October survey.
Much smaller shares say they have read an e-book or listened to an audiobook in the past year
Our thoughtfully curated collection of books for teens is designed to empower, inspire, and educate our world’s biggest asset: our children. These books encourage critical thinking, personal growth, and a deep understanding of how the world works — helping teens confidently navigate their futures.
I don’t remember where I first encountered Asch. It was around 2012, when I ordered The Nazarene on Kindle and read it. I’ve since re-read it 3 more times, I found it so moving. Similarly with The Apostle, and Mary. Who would have thought an early 20th century observant Jewish author would write a series of well-researched fictional books (historical novels), together referred to as the “founders of Christianity” series. Unknown to most, Asch was well versed in what’s called “The Oral Tradition” or the Aggadah of the Jews. He used this knowledge to great effect in weaving many hundreds of stories of peoples and communities in first century Palestine - into these three magnificent books.
Historical novels, as a genre of course, vary widely in their faithfulness to history and accuracy. It is my clear impression that these are highly accurate and consistent with historical events; they are certainly consistent with both the Old and the New Testaments. The particular skill of Asch is to conform Biblical and historical events into the everyday lives of individuals (both historical and fictional) as they actually lived at this critical period of history. Many of the eternal elements of human nature are portrayed - credibly and beautifully.
I have come away with some important understandings which ring so very true. In large part, that’s because Asch wrote with a dedication to accuracy. His understanding arose not only from study of Torah (“The Law”) but also from tradition whose history was woven into every aspect of his own life, from birth through childhood and adulthood in Jewish ghettos in Poland. He has given me understanding far beyond the bare bones version I had from reform Jewish/secular upbringing.
The most powerful understanding I have from these three monumental books derives from the ancient Hebrews’ expectation of the Messiah. There is much discussion throughout these books as to the nature of the Messiah: was He to be temporal or secular? Of this world or the Kingdom of Heaven? A revolutionary or savior? For the Jews alone or for the gentiles as well?
In ways I find myself unable to yet articulate, I have some sense of the earliest cleavages which took place between Observant Jews and “Messianists” in Jesus’ time. There were many divisions between Jews already in existence. The divisions were both worldly (whether and/or how to defeat Roman occupation) and spiritual (those “strong in the law” vs. “unclean” Jews who failed to adequately observe the many, many burdensome strictures of the law). Divisions between Pharisees and Saducees were a continuous undertone.
Among these disputes, and woven throughout all three books, is the question of whether the Messiah was only for the Jews or for the gentiles as well. This was an especially divisive question among the most religious Jews of all schools of thought. One view said that strictly following Torah (the Law) kept Jews pure and at a safe distance from the “abominations” of the gentiles - idol worship, child sacrifice, prostitution/sexual perversions, etc. Since the Jews, they said, submitted to the burdens imposed by the law, they were “entitled” to the Messiah. Among other viewpoints (beyond the scope here), was the notion that the Jews’ observance of the law, was merely God’s way of using the Jewish people as the soil in which the Messiah might be born. These ideas are fleshed out repeatedly in all the books, and I find, very thought provoking.
The Apostle, the story of Saul, then Paul of Tarsus, is especially revealing of all the subtleties which lead to the great historical division between Christians and Jews. I have to say the totality of having read these books - again, many of the events take place in the mundane, everyday lives of the characters set in that time and place - has profoundly revised my understanding of history.
Landmark books make these curiosities possible by taking children along on the journey, whether signing the Constitution or laying rails on the transcontinental railroad. Along the way they meet people who changed or shaped our country.
Now considered vintage (because of their age), these books were the first among historical, non-fiction books written for the middle grade reader. They were originally published by Random House in the 1940s, 50s and 60s in two categories: American and World. There are 122 titles in the American series and 63 titles in the World series all penned by award-winning authors (for example C. S. Forester, Margaret Cousins, James Daugherty and Sterling North) individually contracted to write for the series.
Teaching history chronologically? Wanting to learn more details about the life of an inventor or reformer? Why not add some living books, real books about real events and real people, to your study?
I compiled this chronological listing of Landmark books for two reasons. First, we have always intertwined the teaching of American and world history, reading a piece of historical fiction or biography and posting a representative picture on our time line which stretches the length of our hallway. Most recently, however, we joined a small living history co-op which teaches world history chronologically, focusing on a specific time period each year. We were curious if any of the books we had on our shelves would fit into our upcoming school year. We thought of our Landmark books.
Having a shelf full of Landmark books, I decided to arrange them chronologically (as best I could) so we can research and read from the time period which we will be studying. For those children in my family who prefer the “this looks interesting” method of learning, this chronological listing will be used as reference, should he or she try to place a specific event or person on our family timeline.
Americans do not learn history because we have forgotten how to tell history. According to a 2021 survey conducted by the American Historical Association, a majority of both conservatives and leftists viewed history as just a collection of facts forced upon them in high school and college. History cannot be a cure for social ills unless it is learned well. But when history is taught as dry facts, many students rightfully tune out.
For history to remedy poor political thinking or restore national identity, it must become an exciting, living story that holds deep meaning for our children. Children have not lost interest in compelling stories, nor have they stopped wanting to emulate charismatic characters. My 3-year-old wears his medieval knight costume like a second skin. If we want our high schoolers and college students to take seriously the lessons that history can teach, they must first fall in love with the story of history before they even open their first textbook. //
Unfortunately, you cannot walk to your nearest bookstore and pick up a Landmark box set. Even most libraries no longer carry them. They are scattered around private collections, used book stores, and eBay. Some of the titles can be found digitized on various websites. Several homeschool blogs list out the titles in chronological order. At least one small press has started reissuing individual titles in the Landmark series, but with 200 titles in the series, many more publishing houses and homeschool programs should join the effort. Influencers who want to help America rediscover its history should promote the series. Libraries, especially school libraries, should purchase them for their catalog.
“Men’s lives are changed in odd ways without their realizing it. A boat missed, a talk with a stranger, a thoughtless choice at the crossroads to turn right instead of left, or a knock on a door, and not only can a man’s living be altered but history can be given a new course.” This offhand remark from Landmark author John Mason Brown in his telling of Daniel Boone could be a motto for the series. A child’s reading of good history could change their life — and our nation.
Raymond I. Smithjr
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Drumbeat, a well researched and objective historical novel.
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Beginning with an apolitical description of the German u-boat navy prior to WW2, its development and deployment in the Atlantic and the tragic consequences of an inept and unprepared outmoded U.S. Navy,,, through the naivete' and politically mismanaged response of the early military leadership...The U.S. experienced losses far greater than at Pearl Harbor. The author takes us on a thrilling excursion in to both sides of the battle in a very balanced presentation of the behind the scenes as well as the in the thick of the encounters. A good read difficult to put down until finished.
KP57 George
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
German Submarines controlled the East Coast in 1942
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Excellent; well done research, amazing how unprepared America was for submarine attacks off our East Coast and how highest ranking naval officers let their anti-British feelings deny relevance of British provided intelligence. Thus unfortunately for many reasons our government felt it was necessary to deny the attacks took place and many ships were sunk and many men died.
To all those who say they don’t care about the culture war, Erick Erickson has only one response: "The Left will not let you stay on the sidelines. You will be made to care."
Now the former Editor-in-Chief of RedState.com joins with Christian author Bill Blankschaen to expose the war in America on Christians and all people of faith who refuse to bow to the worst kind of religionsecularismone intent on systematically imposing its agenda and frightening doubters into silence.
The author of the Mitford Years series married at 14, protested segregation, and wrote her first book at 57. //
The idea for Father Tim came in a vision of sorts as Mitford unfolded in her mind. Aware that a Baptist preacher conjured too many negative literary stereotypes, Karon crafted him as an Episcopalian, she said. His life began as a weekly serial publication in the local Blowing Rocket newspaper of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Karon drew the illustrations. They paid her with a free copy of the 10-cent paper.
Circulation surged. But despite the local acclaim, Karon struggled through 11 publishing house rejections before Lion, a small Christian press, accepted At Home in Mitford. Two novels followed, as she used all her marketing skills to self-promote the books. But there was no national market for wholesome stories of simple characters, let alone with a Christian theme, Karon told World magazine. People preferred Stephen King.
“I don’t give you much of a ride. I just give you sort of a float!” Karon stated. “A lot of people tell me that my books put them to sleep, and I consider that a huge compliment.”
Rex Stout is an American Mystery writer who has written multiple books. Most of them were set in the state of New York. He was born in Noblesville, Indiana in 1886 but later on his parents moved the family of nine children to Kansas. Being a teacher, Stout’s father inspired him to read and by the time he was four years old, he had read the entire bible. Stout went to Topeka High School, Kansas, and later the University of Kansas, Lawrence. He worked in the Navy in US between 1906 and 1908 and afterwards for the next four years, he worked at several jobs including one at a cigar store.
Rex was appointed to the board of American Civil Liberties Union in 1952 and served one term. While there he assisted in beginning the Marxist Magazine. He also founded and later served as president at Vanguard Press, from 1926 to 1928 then as its vice president until 1931. Being a renowned Murder Mystery author, several of his books went on to be adapted for film, radio and television. He was head of Writers’ War Board at the time of the second world war, a radio celebrity and later on actively promoted world federalism. He was also president of the Authors Guild and of the Mystery Writers of America. He ultimately received the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award in 1959.
The front cover is a shot of the 2.55 gigawatt Oconee plant in South Carolina. These three reactors were built for 356 million dollars between 1967 and 1974. That is $1141 per kilowatt in 2024 dollars. Oconee can produce reliable, on-demand, zero pollution, very low CO2, electricity at less than 3 cents/kWh in today’s money. These plants and their sisters have operated for over 60 years, harming exactly nobody from radiation. They are licensed to operate intothe 2050’s.
Between 1970 and 2025, technological progress should have reduced the real cost of nuclear power. Instead the current cost of nuclear plants in Europe and North America is more than $15,000/kW, more than 13 times the cost of Oconee. Thanks to its insane energy density, nuclear power should consume far less of the planet’s precious resources than any other source of electricty while producing nearly no pollution and very little CO2. Instead nuclear is a prohibitively expensive flop.
This little book explains why this auto-genocidal tragedy happened, and what we can do about it. Nuclear’s problems are entirely man-made. What is man-made can be man-unmade. If we adopt the regulatory reforms that this book lays out, the providers of nuclear power will be forced to compete with each other and new entrants on a level playing field, in which case the inherent cheapness of fission power combined with technological advances will push the cost of nuclear electricity back down to its should-cost.
Edward J. Willett and Austin D. Swanson
Modernizing the Little Red Schoolhouse: The Economics of Improved Education
After writing/co-authoring/translating three very highly regarded history books, and selling them in three languages all over the world in five figure numbers, I was dissapointed how the entry barrier to history writing did not always appear to be orientated towards writing facts, and sometimes more about pretending how complicated the whole process was.
It IS extremely difficult, but, it is NOT complicated.
If you REALLY do want to write a history book, and its keeping you awake at night, here is one method which works.
How to Write a History Book_V1-0Download