16th century Biographies

A Man for All Seasons

1966

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This is a VERY well-done rendition of the story of St. Thomas More. Thomas More was a well-respected lawyer who was named Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. He is a model statesman - modest, intelligent, and principled. He was martyred for not condoning the actions of the King toward the Catholic Church and his first wife. (Quite a refreshing contrast to modern-day politics!) I would suggest this for high school students as younger students (unless they are familiar with the story and accustomed to somewhat complex dialogue) may find it "boring". We were very pleased to find this movie at our local library. Available on VHS or DVD.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1998-99

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment

Author(s):

Wendy Macdonald

Illustrator(s):

Paolo Rui

Number of pages:

32 pages

2009

ISBN:

9781570918698

Publisher:

Charlesbridge

Binding:

Glued Hardcover

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Science readers are to be found if you look around enough as this book demonstrates. It is the fictional story of Massimo, a boy who regularly throws his uncle's lunch off a bridge to his boat as his uncle rows by below. Galileo happens to see that the bread and the cheese land at the same time. The story ends atop the leaning Tower of Pisa, as legend suggests Galileo did.

The illustrations are a little disappointing, the people in particular. The story is sometimes forced as math and science readers often are; however, overall it is a great tale that teaches a basic principle of physics sure to have your children dropping objects from heights. It even alludes to Galileo's ramp experiments on acceleration. The last page briefly fills in the reader on the period in history, what in the story is fact and fiction, and the formula for calculating speed.

Overall this is a great introductory physics science book.

Reviewed by:

Kris Correira

First reviewed:

07/17/2010

How the Reformation Happened

Author(s):

Hilaire Belloc

1928

Publisher:

TAN Books and Publishers

Binding:

Softcover

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This book is a surprisingly readable and interesting account of "How the Reformation Happened". Although it is written from a Catholic perspective, Mr. Belloc is very fair in dishing out the blame to the appropriate people on both sides. The years covered are 1517 (when Martin Luther affixed his protest against the Indulgences to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany) to 1648, but also includes commentary of the implications of the "Reformation" on our own times. He covers all the major countries involved and is very skilled at explaining the essentials of what happened and the lessons we should take from it. This is the answer for homeschoolers looking for the whole story of what is so often misrepresented in History texts - whether Protestant or Secular. It makes good reading for adults who are teaching younger children or for high schoolers to read on their own. Includes a complete index.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

3-25-2000

Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal

Author(s):

Robert T. Reilly

Number of pages:

202 pages

1957

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Softcover

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The true story of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, an Irish prince who fought the English Invaders at the time of Queen Elizabeth. This is a fast paced story - quite exciting and with a touch of romance. The hardships endured by Red Hugh, particularly during his imprisonment, are a bit graphic, but probably not too intense for mid-gradeschoolers and up. We are reminded of Red Hugh's faith when he asks the English to let him see a priest. The request is refused and the reader is introduced to the tactics of indoctrination, used to attempt to sway the hero from his Irish and Catholic loyalties. This will probably be a favorite among boys who like stories about battles, chases, and the victory of good over evil.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1998-99

Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus

Author(s):

August Derleth

Number of pages:

167 pages

1956

Publisher:

Ignatius Press

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

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Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the well-known saint/scholar, founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises, was a surprisingly simple and humble man. Although he was rather arrogant and adventurous as a young soldier, a serious battle wound forced him into an extended bed rest. Restless and bored, he finally gave in to reading the only two books available to him - The Life of Our Saviour and The Lives of the Saints. Reading and studying these stories placed Ignatius onto a new and completely unexpected path - one of serious devotion to God and profound humility. The story follows his life as he seeks God's will, returns to school as a 33 year old man, gains folllowers while in the University and finally puts together his dream of "the Company of Jesus."

We are reminded in the story of what effect the stories of the lives of the Saints can have. The story of Ignatius is of particular value, not only because of his great effect on the world, but also because of the glimpse we are given of the spiritual development that takes place within him as he seeks to do God's will. Despite the depth of content, the story is told in a simple enough manner to be understood and appreciated by the whole family.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

11-16-99

Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart

Author(s):

Francis X. Connolly

Number of pages:

168 pages

1957

Publisher:

Ignatius Press

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

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The lovely story of the 16th century priest and saint of Rome whose joy brought many away from the evils of the day. He patiently bore a great deal of emotional persecution from some fellow priests, but eventually won his tormentors over to the love of Christ. Many insights into the meaning of a vocation and how to spread the joy of Christ.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

4-26-01

Saint Thomas More of London

Author(s):

Elizabeth Ince

Number of pages:

188 pages

1957

Publisher:

Ignatius Press

Binding:

Softcover

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An interesting and readable life of Thomas More (1477-1535): the great saint, scholar, father, lawyer, statesman, author, patriot and lover of the Church. The author, a descendant of Thomas More, has included many interesting details and anecdotes that bring this great man to life and help us better understand who he was. Even as an adult who became interested in St. Thomas More from the movie A Man for All Seasons, I found many tidbits that helped fill in the details not present in the movie - particularly regarding More's life before he became Chancellor of England. We also get more of a sense of his holiness and spirituality. Highly Recommended.

Part of the Vision series from Ignatius Press, this book best for upper grade school and high school.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

9-29-03

Love 2 Learn.net

16th century Biographies

A Man for All Seasons

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment

How the Reformation Happened

Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal

Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus

Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart

Saint Thomas More of London

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