Four hundred years ago John Calvin was born. His birth (July 10, 1509) will be commemorated on two continents by churches, states, institutions of learning, and social and literary organizations. This fact indicates the cosmopolitan character of the influence of his life and work. He belongs to a small group of epoch-making men in the world’s history. He was primarily a religious reformer and a theologian, but his interpretation of Christianity modified also the civil and social life of th...

This volume was written upon the occasion of the four hundredth anniversary of Calvins birth with the intent of increasing awareness and appreciation for the great leader of the Reformation. Aimed for popular use, Vollmer included key aspects of Calvins work, character and historical record in such a way as to engage and intrigue laypeople and scholars alike. Although small in size, with concise language, vivid illustrations and concentration on Calvins person and his contributions, Theologia...

The Marble Faun is Hawthorne's most unusual romance. Writing on the eve of the American Civil War, Hawthorne set his story in a fantastical Italy. The romance mixes elements of a fable, pastoral, Gothic novel, and travel guide. In the spring of 1858, Hawthorne was inspired to write his romance when he saw the Faun of Praxiteles in a Roman sculpture gallery. The theme, characteristic of Hawthorne, is guilt and the Fall of Man. The four main characters are Miriam, a beautiful painter who is ...

This collection brings together biography, history, theology, hagiography and hymns to gather as many articles as possible about the German hymn-writer Joachim Neander (1640-1680).

This early work on Martin Luther is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It details the life of the monk responsible for translating the Bible from Latin into German and for inspiring the Lutheran movement. This is a fascinating work and is thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in the history of European religion. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce. We are republishing these classic works in a...

The history of Tolerance (or the lack thereof) in the history of man as described by one of the best popular historians of all time. Written by Hendrik Willem van Loon. Digitalized and collated by Jack Featherstone.

Burning pyres, nuns on the run, stirring courage, and comic relief: the Protestant Reformation is a gripping tale, packed with drama. But what motivated the Reformers? And what were they really like?The Unquenchable Flame, a lively, accessible, and fully informative introduction to the Reformation by Michael Reeves, brings to life the movement’s most colorful characters (Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, The Puritans, etc.), examines their ideas,...

"It is an old and true saying, that nations sometimes know little about some of their greatest benefactors. If there ever was a man to whom this saying applies, it is John Wycliffe, the forerunner and first beginner of the Protestant Reformation in this country. To Wycliffe England owes an enormous debt: yet Wycliffe is a man of whom most Englishmen know little or nothing.In drawing up a few pages about this great and good man, the words of the Apostle St. Peter rise up before my m...

Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Stephen J. Nichols takes a key period in time, the Reformation, and presents its major players in a fresh way. From Martin Luther, a simple monk who wielded the mallet, to kings and queens, this book goes behind the scenes to uncover the human side of these larger-than-life Reformers. Along the way readers meet Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Kings Henry VIII...

J. A. Wylie (1808-1890) is considered by many to be one of the best religious historians of all time. While he penned many books during his lifetime, he is undoubtedly best known for this collection, The History of Protestantism.Originally published as 24 books in 1878, this series is being brought back in the original three volumes as it was first intended.This great work begins with the first century A.D. and follows through to the Glorious Revolution in Great Britain in ...

"The Life of Blessed John B. Marie Vianney, Cure of Ars" is a profound exploration of the life and spiritual journey of one of the Catholic Church's most revered saints. This biography delves into the humble beginnings of John Vianney, his unwavering dedication to his parishioners, and his remarkable ability to inspire faith in others. Through his tireless work as a priest in the small village of Ars, he became known for his deep spirituality, confessional wisdom, and miraculous gifts, whi...

In "Historia Calamitatum," Peter Abelard presents a poignant autobiographical narrative that intertwines personal turmoil with the intellectual fervor of the 12th century. This work is both a confession and a philosophical treatise, set against the backdrop of medieval scholasticism. Abelard employs a candid and reflective literary style, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for knowledge, while critically examining the societal and ecclesiastical structures that shaped his life....