History Books

A Catholic Perspective on American History History is the key to understanding men-whether as nations, families, or individuals. For Catholics, history has an even higher purpose beside. For them, history is the unfolding of God's Will in time, and the attempts of men either to conform themselves to or to resist that Will. But American Catholic historians have generally refrained from exploring their own national history with these principles, preferring instead to adopt the analysis of their...

For 240 years, most Americans have identified our country with its government as the embodiment of “Freedom” and the nation itself. Take away the Constitution, Congress, and presidential elections, and not only liberty but the United States themselves would vanish. Or would they? We have a government that imposes social change from above at breakneck speed, while each presidential election seems to offer even more pathetic choices than the one before. Many are scratching their heads and wonde...

Most books about the Popes have either tried to whitewash every sin any Pope has committed, or else have made them all out to be all out to be anti-Christs. On this emotional topic, writers seem to have left very little middle ground. But the truth is that there have obviously been good and obviously evil Popes, controversial Popes and forgotten Popes. In this book, they will all have their day in court. One by one, each Pope will be profiled, and their rich history, with all its pageantry, i...

A Holy Emperor and His Legacy October 3, 2004 saw what appeared to many to be a very strange thing: Emperor-King Charles of Austria-Hungary, last Habsburg to rule in Central Europe and wartime foe of the United States, was raised to the altars of the Church as a Blessed by St. John Paul II. But odd as this appeared, the real story of the “Peace Emperor” and his just as remarkable wife reads like a combination of a suspense thriller, Greek tragedy, and hagiography. The inheritor of a tradition...

With Arthurian grandeur the Papal Zouaves marched into Italy in the mid-nineteenth century, summoned by the Pope under siege as the Wars of the Risorgimento raged. Motivated by wanderlust, a sense of duty and the call of faith, some 20,000 Catholic men from around the world rallied to Vatican City to defend her gates against Sardinian marauders. Volunteers came from France, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Austria, and many other countries, including the United States. The battles that ensued lasted ...

In his treatise on European economic history, Hilaire Belloc explores the many failings of the Capitalist system. He explains that Capitalism emerged from the English Reformation, reached its present form during England's Industrial Revolution, and from there was exported to the rest of the world. “It was in England that the Industrial System arose. It was in England that all its traditions and habits were formed; and because the England in which it arose was already a Capitalist England, mod...

The incisive analysis presented in The Great Heresies will transform the way you view religious orthodoxy. Written by renowned Catholic apologist and historian Hilaire Belloc, this new edition of a classic work examines the five most disparaging heresies that have shaped Christianity throughout history. Belloc dives deep into Arianism, Mohammedanism (Islam), Albigensianism, Protestantism, Modernism and expounds on how each of the contrasting viewpoints began, how they infiltrated various popu...

Europe and the Faith by Hilaire Belloc is an eye-opening look at the often-overlooked story of Europe and its heritage. This captivating book offers a detailed exploration of how Christianity has shaped Europe throughout history, making it one of the most influential regions in terms of belief and culture. Belloc masterfully builds his case, relying on solid evidence from religion, politics, economics, geography, and other disciplines. Through carefully documented arguments and well-settled f...

One of the most fascinating books ever written by the great Catholic historian Belloc, he presents in bold colors the 23 principal characters of the Protestant Reformation, focusing primarily on those figures concerned with the events in England, analyzing their strengths, mistakes, motives and deeds which changed the course of history. Among the characters he examines are Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, St. Thomas More, Mary Tudor, Thomas Cromwell, William Cecil, Mary Stuart, Cardinal ...

Heart of Europe is an essential addition to any history lover’s library, offering unique insights into one of the most important empires in European history. Spanning almost a millennium, it sheds light on the political and military power that formed at the heart of Europe under Charlemagne and lasted until the Holy Roman Empire’s destruction by Napoleon.This book by Peter H. Wilson is more than just a piece of history – it dives deep into how the empire worked, why it was so powerful, and ho...

Introducing 'God's Battalions' - a daring and thought-provoking book from respected scholar, Dr. Stark. His scholarly opinion and in-depth analysis of the centuries-old Crusades offer an unprecedented perspective on this iconic event. This groundbreaking work challenges the long-held narrative that the Crusades were a cowardly display of religious aggression against Muslims and flips it on its head whether you agree or not.Informed by meticulous research and driven by his bold exploration of...

Adrian Fortescue, a British apologist for the Catholic faith in the early part of the 20th century, wrote this classic of clear exposition on the faith of the early Church in the papacy based upon the writings of the Church fathers until 451. No ultramontanist, Fortescue can be a keen critic of personal failings of various Popes, but he shows through his brilliant assessment of the writings of the Church fathers that the early Church had a clear understanding of the primacy of Peter and a bel...

From the Pharaoh to the Most Christian King Discover an enriching, deeply researched new book from acclaimed French author and expert in religious studies, Sacred Royalty. This captivating book grants remarkable insight into the origin and nature of royalty, as seen through the lens of both ancient and modern societies.From the Pharaoh to the Most Christian King, this work serves as an exploration into dynasties from ages past and cultures around the globe. Explore political systems that span...

The Crusades: The World's Debate is a historical masterpiece written by Hilaire Belloc in 1937. It reveals an insightful view of the motivations and intentions that lay at the heart of one of history's most passionate, complex, and important conflicts. This book provides a unique perspective on the crusade's ultimate failure, exploring personal and strategic failings of the First Crusade's leaders, as well as its aftermath for centuries to follow.Belloc also offers a prophetic warning about t...

In this book, Roberto de Mattei steers us through centuries of Church history concerning some of the disastrous decisions of popes and councils. The author's rich historical narratives, deftly intertwined with dogmatic, moral, and canonical principles, make this work a potent resource for grappling with the current crises of the Church.

Marie-Antoinette, Daughter of the Caesars is about the life, death and legacy of Louis XVI's tragic Queen, based upon the author's thirty years of research. Whenever possible the historical persons speak for themselves out of memoirs and letters. Marie-Antoinette is seen in light of her Imperial heritage as a child of the Habsburg dynasty. Having assumed the crown of the Holy Roman Empire in the 1400’s, the crown which had originated with Charlemagne in the year 800, they were seen as the con...

This provocative account of the persecution of the Catholic Church in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s tells the stories of eight pivotal players. The saints are now honored as martyrs by the Catholic Church, and the sinners were political and military leaders who were accomplices in the persecution.The saintly standouts are Anacleto González Flores, whose non-violent demonstrations ended with his death after a day of brutal torture; Archbishop Francisco Orozco y Jiménez, who ran his vast archdi...

Phoenix from the Ashes is a comprehensive look at the state of the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council--one of a series of recurrent periods of moral and intellectual crisis to which it has succumbed in its history. A chapter on the Council describes in detail how Pope Paul VI diverted it by placing it under the exclusive control of European liberals. An equally close study is devoted to the liturgical "reform" entrusted by the same pope to a group of radicals whose work undermi...

Modern biblical scholars tend to dismiss the Christmas story of the "wise men from the East" as pious legend. Matthew's gospel offers few details, but imaginative Christians filled out the story early on, giving us the three kings guided by a magical star who join the adoring shepherds in every Christmas crèche. For many scholars, then, there is no reason to take the gospel story seriously. But are they right? Are the wise men no more than a poetic fancy? In an astonishing feat of detective w...

Max Weber's celebrated thesis, which explores the relationship between Protestant work ethic and the emergence of capitalist enterprise, is presented here inclusive of his lengthy notes. In coining the phrase 'Protestant work ethic', Weber demonstrates a series of parallels between certain Protestant denominations and the modern business. The veneration of hard work, discipline, and carefulness with money birthed a culture that led over generations to the establishment of capitalism; with eno...

Our Lady, the Divine Mercy, and the Popes of the Marian Era from Blessed Pius IX to Benedict XVI In the past 200 years, the Catholic Church has approved a series of private revelations with a deeply apocalyptic undercurrent. But what have the popes taught concerning these times? In this ground-breaking book, Stephen Walford uncovers the astonishing truth that the successors of St. Peter have together warned of the rapidly approaching final coming of Jesus Christ. By unearthing a great variet...

Bearing False Witness is an eye-opening exploration of historical falsehoods, challenging long-held beliefs about the Catholic Church. Written by renowned historian Rodney Stark, this groundbreaking book delves deep into the facts to reveal a very different version of history than what was previously taught in textbooks and respected intellectual circles. With its compelling narrative style, Stark sheds light on the often maligned but crucial role that faith has played in world events over th...

Salazar and His Work is an indispensable volume that provides an in-depth overview of the life and legacy of one of Portugal's most beloved leaders. António de Oliveira Salazar was a statesman whose strong personal values guided his leadership, making him especially revered among the Portuguese citizens. He was highly intelligent, honest and dedicated to public service, working arduously with deep devotion to ensure a prosperous future for his country. Salazar and His Work is an insightful lo...

Dorothy Mills' book Renaissance & Reformation Times is an essential read for anyone interested in European history. This book not only delves into the reasons behind the great change in thought during this period, but also how it affected the everyday lives of people in countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and England. Mills' engaging and direct approach to writing history makes this book a valuable resource for homeschooling parents and private school educators alike. With sound...

The Long, Jagged Trail to a Postmodern Void From Christendom to Americanism and Beyond describes the momentous changes that occurred in the European cultural orbit from the end of the Middle Ages until the mid 20th century. During this period the Catholic unity of the West--what rightly was called Christendom--was lost, and the social order came to be organized on an entirely new basis. Instead of a society that attempted to arrange all its activity and institutions in a hierarchy directed to...

"A Heart For Europe" is a riveting book that introduces readers to the heartfelt story of Emperor Charles, the last Hapsburg ruler of the Austrio-Hungarian Empire. Now declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II in 2004, Emperor Charles was married to Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma and inherited the throne in 1916 amidst World War One. Despite facing impossible odds, this devoted sovereign set out on a mission to bring peace to Europe and end the war. His efforts were recognized and he was honored ...

In The Middle Ages, Dorothy Mills lets medieval chroniclers tell their own tales; poets and troubadours, minstrels and wandering scholars sing their own songs; and serfs describe their hard lot. She combines interesting source material with a scholarly interpretation of important events and of those features that characterized all countries during the Middle Ages: the Church; monks and friars and pilgrims; feudalism and chivalry; the manors and towns; Crusades; students wandering in search of...

Can the medieval world still speak to the modern? The implicit answer in Bede Jarrett's remarkable work, Social Theories of the Middle Ages, is a resounding "yes". Fascinating as a purely historical study, it serves also to present the foundation whereby Christendom began to articulate the vision of a different kind of common life. Embedded in medieval doctrines regarding law, women, Christendom, art - and especially just war, property, money-making, and education - are principles that we wou...

How Catholic Priests Helped Build--And Can Help Rebuild--Western Civilization  With stubborn facts historians have given their verdict: from the cultures of the Jews, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Germanic peoples, the Catholic Church built a new and original civilization, embodying within its structures the Christian vision of God and man, time and eternity. The construction and maintenance of Western civilization, amid attrition and cultural earthquakes, is a saga spread over sixteen hundred y...

A Brief History of Catholic Traditionalism in the United States, from Triumph to Traditionis Custodes In this compact and informative book, Stuart Chessman tells the tale of the traditionalist movement in the United States of America, from its birth in the era of Triumph (1965-1975) to the mounting tensions with "conservative Catholicism" (1975-1985), to the dawning of hope in the "Indult regime" (1985-2007), leading into the broad daylight of Summorum Pontificum (2007-2021), and then descend...

Too little intimate history has been written of common people in the Middle Ages. Most "comprehensive" works pass them by in favor of tales of monarchs and warriors. Yet if we truly wish to form an accurate understanding of how life was during a certain period, it is to the lives of ordinary people that we should first direct out attention. It is precisely this strategy that Eileen Power employs in Medieval People. In this refreshingly insightful collection of lives untouched by fame, Power g...

Explore the vibrant and complex first thousand years of Christian culture with Popes, Emperors, and Elephants: The First Thousand Years of Christian Cult. This carefully researched book is written in an accessible style that adults and children alike can enjoy. Roy Peachey takes you on a journey from Athens to China, from Rome to Ethiopa and through ancient lands like Jerusalem and Iraq. You’ll learn about saints, popes, emperors, sailors —and yes, even the occasional elephant! It’s an eye-op...

Their Origins and the Revival of Trade Best known for his thesis that it was not the invasion of Germanic tribes that brought about the so-called Dark Ages, but the Muslim invasions of the 7th century and the closing off of Mediterranean trade, Henri Pirenne extends his examination of the decline and revival of Europe in Medieval Cities. He first examines the many interruptions of long-distance commerce and trade, showing how they greatly accelerated the decline of ancient European cities. He...

The Earliest Chronicle of the First Crusade This new translation offers a faithful yet accessible English-language rendering of the twelfth-century Gesta Francorum et aliorum Hierosolomitanorum, the earliest known Latin account of the First Crusade. Although an anonymous work, it has become the exemplar for all later histories and retellings of the First Crusade. As such, it is filled with vivid descriptions of the hardships suffered by the crusaders, with deeds of personal heroism, with cour...

The wars and upheavals of the 17th and 18th centuries had created a situation where by the 19th century, political control was exercised over the Church not only in England and Germany but even in Catholic countries such as Austria, France, and Spain. The new ideas of Febronianism, Jacobism, and the French Revolutionary ideologies spread throughout Europe had done their utmost to bring discredit on the old asceticism and its principal representatives in the mendicant orders, such as the Domin...

Are you looking to gain an insightful look into today’s current political climate? If so, Why Liberalism Failed, by Patrick Deneen, is an ideal book to read. This powerful and persuasive argument takes us on a journey through the three major twentieth-century ideologies: fascism, communism, and liberalism. With only liberalism left standing in our modern day and age, Deneen provides brilliant insight into this ideology and why it can be seen to stand on contradictory foundations. For example,...

Ancient Rome's brutal culture exploited the weak and considered human life expendable. Women were used as property; unwanted children were left on the streets to die. Four centuries later, even ordinary men and women prospered in what had become a vigorous new Christian society; a society that served the vulnerable, exalted women, treasured virtue, and loved peace. Faith had triumphed. Truth was proclaimed. And on this rock-solid foundation, Christian society flourished in the West for the ne...