Douglas Bond's Hand of Vengeance

Hand of Vengeance, Douglas Bond

Heroes & History Series

(P&R, 2012), pb., 190 pp.

Ages 8 and up

If you have read much on this blog you will know that Douglas Bond is one of our favorite writers. Books of his that we have read come up in conversation often and his visit to our home is a top memory for my older boys. So, we have been anticipating when this more recent book of his would come up in the reading schedule for school for my younger children. It did not disappoint.

As usual Bond sets the story amidst something historically significant. This story occurs in 8^th century Lindisfarne in England where the Gospels were being copied and illuminated. The Lindisfarne Gospels are beautiful manuscripts with significant historical importance and are now held at the British Library. Bond weaves the copying of these manuscripts into his story giving a feel for life in this time as monks do their work, a feudal society seeks to maintain order and they live in fear of Viking raids. In this setting Bond weaves a murder mystery with intrigue, romance, a Sherlock Holmes-type monk with keen points on justice and the gospel along the way.

We enjoyed this story with my 8 year old daughter begging us too keep reading. My 7 year old son was not yet ready to follow as well, which is why I’ve given the age suggestion listed above. The place to start with Bond’s books is the Crown and Covenant series or the Mr. Pipes series, but after those we commend this story to you as well. And we continue to anticipate every new book from Mr. Bond!

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted, Sinclair Ferguson

(Banner of Truth, 2010), hb., 40 pp.

Ages  4-8

This book is part of the Heroes of the Faith Series which Sinclair Ferguson has started, and this is a great beginning. In a “word to the parents” section at the end of the book Ferguson explains the aim of this series. He notes that today our culture encourages people to have “idols” rather than “heroes.” I think Ferguson is right on this, and I appreciate how he distinguishes the two: idols are adored because of their image whereas a hero is one who is respected because he “has shown moral fibre, … has overcome difficulties, … has been tested and has stood firm.” Ferguson’s series seeks to provide families a resource for introducing young children to such heroes in the history of the church. In Ferguson’s words:

“The Heroes of the Faith books are intended to build up into a kind of church family album- pictures of those who, throughout the centuries, have been members fo the family of God.”

I think this book on Polycarp succeeds very well. In an engaging, simple way Ferguson tells the story of Polycarp, his time with the Apostle John, and his martyrdom. My wife read this one to our two youngest (4year old boy & 5 year old girl) while I was away at a conference. When I got back both children told me excitedly about the book. Over the last few days I have heard them both- especially my son- going around the house chanting, “Po-ly-carp! Po-ly-carp!” (his name is chanted in the book). Any book which results in my children being excited about a hero of the faith, chanting the name of one of the earliest church leaders after the New Testament is certainly worth having.

We commend this one to you.

Athanasius Book Giveaway

As a follow up to my post commending Simonetta Carr’s book, Athanasius, I also have a copy of the book to give away to an interested reader. This is a great book which will be good for families and libraries.

You can be entered in the drawing in two ways. If you leave a comment on this post you will be entered once. If you pass along word about this post by linking it at your blog, retweeting it, or sharing it on Facebook you will be entered twice (send me the link or “@mention” me in the tweet so I will know).

From the names entered I will draw a winner next Wednesday, Oct 5.

Athanasius, by Simonetta Carr

Athanasius, by Simonetta Carr

Christian Biographies for Young Readers series

(Reformation Heritage Books, 2011), hb., 61 pp.

Ages 8-15

This is the third book in this series by Simonetta Carr which I have commented on. This series is becoming a “go to” spot for biographies of great leaders in Christian history. (I also commented previously on another children’s biography of Athanasius that was not as compelling)

This is an engaging, nicely illustrated biography of Athanasius. It explains the world into which Athanasius was born where Christians were severely persecuted until Athanasius’ teenage years when Constantine ended the persecution. Carr also discusses the conflict with Arius, the political maneuverings which led to Athanasius’ exiles. The book is especially good in making clear that the theological disputes of the time were not mere hair splitting. Carr makes clear that Athanasius labored and suffered to defend the gospel for the good of souls. This is a great book for introducing young readers to this important pastor and to the important theological issue of the day- the full deity and humanity of Christ.

The heart of the book is nicely captured in this compelling book trailer:

Since many in our churches do not have a good grasp of church history this book and trailer could be very useful to many.

I warmly commend this book to you.
(A nice product description and table of contents can be found here)

Benjamin Franklin on Reading History

“The general natural tendency of reading good history must be to fix in the minds of youth deep impressions of the beauty and usefulness of virtue of all kinds, public spirit, fortitude, etc.”

The Twelve Caesars

The Twelve Caesars, Suetonius
(Penguin Classics, 2007), pb. 398 pp
Translated by Robert Graves, revised by James Rives
Ages 15+

My boys and I set out to read this classic piece of Roman history between 120 and 130 AD as part of our study of ancient Rome. It is a recommended part of Veritas Press’s Omnibus curriculum.

The book covers the lives of the first twelve Caesars beginning with Julius and ending with Domitian. Written at such an early date it is invaluable historically and provides some fascinating background for the New Testament since all the of the New Testament is written during the time covered here (Revelation was probably written during the reign of Domitian).

However, I stopped having my boys (ages 10, 12, 13) read this book after the first two chapters (Julius and Augustus). It is fairly difficult reading, but that is not why I stopped them. I stopped because it describes with frankness the wickedness of these men. My boys did not even know (thankfully) what all was being referred to. The book is in many ways a study of depravity, depicting what happens when men have no restraint- spiritually, legally, politically or economically- on their behavior. Cruelty, greed and sexual perversion were foremost. This behavior is not celebrated but is discussed.

So, while the book is valuable historically, parents need to be aware of what is in it, and plan accordingly. A good way to check out this book (and many other classics) is by downloading free audio of it at librivox.org.

Stories We Tell Our Children

The Stories We Tell Our Children: How the Past Is Made Present in Children’s Literature,
by David Thomas
(Royal Fireworks Press, 2008), pb., 156 pp.

David Thomas is a friend and colleague at Union University where he teaches history. He and his wife Nan are also parents who have made purposeful, joyous reading to their children a part of their lives. This book, it seems to me, is an outgrowth of this connection between professional and family life.

This book is not an annotated list of recommended books like The Book Tree. Rather, it is a discussion of how we can learn history from picture books intended for children. Thomas says:

This book is for people who enjoy children’s literature. It unpacks the complex historical features in books known for their simplicity. … I hope to benefit parents who enjoy reading and thinking with their children, teachers and librarians who are looking for new ways to introduce historical thinking to their students, home school parents who formally combine the roles of parent and teacher, and others who are interested in history, literature, and education. (p. 1)

Thus the goal of this book is demonstrate historical elements found (often implicitly) in children’s books and to discuss how these elements can be used to increase historical awareness and appreciation. The book succeeds in this goal and is thus helpful for parents who read to their children as Thomas intends.

Thomas comments further on the idea behind the book stating:

At the core of this book is the conviction that historical thinking is fundamental to human life and identity. Every aspect of human culture is historical; the more skilled and perceptive we are, the better. We need to see the past is as much of its power and curious fun as our imagination can handle. (p. 3)

I agree with and really like this statement. Especially since we live in a culture that is increasingly unaware of and apathetic towards the past, Thomas’ assertion is important. Historical awareness helps us know who we are and helps us to live well. And, to appreciate history we need well trained, expansive imaginations!

In the chapters Thomas walks through different ways in which we can notice historical clues embedded in these books and what we can do with them. Some of this information will be of less interest to parents and of more interest to those specifically teaching history. However, it is very useful for all of us in learning to read better and in making the most of our reading. He also comments on a number of books along the way providing helpful recommendations of books the reader might want to pursue.

Let me conclude with a two more quotes form the book.

The earlier our historical imagination and curiosity are awakened, the better. (p. 7)

Expose your children to good literature and they will recognize it in the future. They will pursue the authors they know and love and be encouraged to explore further on their own. (p. 13)

This last quote is one of the key convictions behind my own reading to my children and of this blog, which is the result of that reading.

I commend Thomas’ book to you than as a resource for book recommendations and stimulating thoughts on using your reading a way to teach historical awareness.

NB: This book is listed at Amazon though apparently it is currently unavailable there.
You can find the book at this page on the publishers website (scroll to bottom of the page)

For the Heart of Holland

For the Heart of Holland, Piet Prins
Struggle for Freedom Series, vol. 4
(Inheritance Publications, 2008; English translation), pb., 162 pp.
Ages 8+

I have commented on the previous three volumes of this series here, here and here. Our favorite one is still the first volume.

When we heard that the fourth volume was out we were eager to hear the continuation of the story and to know what happened to Martin and Boudewyn who have become central characters in our world. This book is more difficult than some others due to geography and some vocabulary which is less familiar to us (and I expect to most American readers). However, it is well worth the effort to know the historical story of the struggle of Dutch Christians for the freedom of worship. It is so easy to be ignorant of what has gone on in the rest of the world. It is encouraging to hear stories of divine intervention in the struggles for freedom in other countries (lest we think we are the only ones whom God has blessed!). In reading books from Inheritance Publications I have become fascinated with this whole struggle in the Netherlands.

As in the other books the characters provide good examples of faithfulness, courage, perseverance, sacrifice and devotion to the gospel. The account of the privation of the citizens of Leiden is also a useful thing for our children to hear and to help us be mindful of how blessed we are.

On a humorous note, my boys did dub this book, “the grossest book ever.” This designation was earned by the fact that Martin developed a love interest in a young lady within Leiden. When she and the others were finally rescued by the heroic efforts of Martin and the Sea Beggars, Martin kissed her. The “kissy stuff” earned this special title, even though we enjoyed the book.

So we commend this book to you. We need to know the story of the Sea Beggars, William of Orange, and this brave struggle for freedom.

NOTE: Amazon does not currently have this book. You can order it directly from Inheritance Publications. It is difficult to find things on the site, but you can even email them from the site. I was unable to find a page with a photo and description of the book.

Along Came Galileo

Along Came Galileo, Jeanne Bendick
(Beautiful Feet Books, 1999), pb., 95 pp.

The next book after a string of really good books tends to be judged hard- and the Mr. Pipes books were really good! Therefore, it was with some uncertainty we moved to this book on Galileo. It is a brief book, so in our first reading we covered three chapters. After we finished my straightforward nine year old said matter-of-factly, “Well this book is neither exciting nor interesting.” We persevered, but it never really improved. Not only was it not very engaging, it was unclear what age group was its target. The writer paused to explain that a Grand Duke was a really important person (a painfully obvious thing to my 10, 9 and 6 year old), but discussed without any nuance the fact that Galileo was not married but had children with his companion (which was not at all clear to my boys!). All of a sudden I had to explain how this could be so.

Furthermore I was not pleased with the description of Galileo’s conflict with the church. There was conflict, and we have discussed how the church had some wrong ideas at this time (why Luther led a Reformation, etc.). The relation between science and faith is an important one that I want to present well to my children. It does not come across well in this book. Galileo is presented as arguing “that there must be two separate languages- the language of the Bible and the language of science” (64). This may be the way Galileo expressed it (I don’t know), but in a book pitched to children this deserved better handling since a “two languages” approach is often taken today in a way which marginalizes the testimony of Scripture.

In the end we would not recommend this book. It was not engaging and you could get the valuable information from an entry in an encyclopedia. The value of a book treatment is supposed ot be in expressing such information in a way which appeals to the children and thus heps them to remember it.

The World of Columbus and Sons

The World of Columbus and Sons , by Genevíeve Foster
(1965; reprint, Beautiful Feet Books), pb., 406 pp.

This is a fascinating book! Rather than simply telling about Columbus’ travels, Mrs. Foster portrays Columbus against the backdrop of the political, cultural and social setting of his world. Thus the story covers not simply 1492 but begins in 1451 and goes through 1537. Similarly, the book addresses not simply Spain and the New World, but also the royal families, wars and politics of practically all of Europe as well as the East. This is a large task- hence the 400 pages.

I was skeptical about whether this would be a book to read aloud, doubting that it would hold my boys attention and that they would be able to keep up as the narrative shifted from country to country with all the interconnections between royal families. In fact, less than a quarter of the way through I decided to shift to another book. However, to my surprise, my boys were very disappointed and pleaded for us to continue reading this book! They admitted it was sometimes difficult to keep some of the connections between royal families straight (as it was for me!); nevertheless, they said it was fun to listen to and to see how all these things connected and set the stage for Columbus’ life.

I, personally, found this book to be very informative particularly in the development of Europe in this period. Nowhere else have I seen a book that relates, for example, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Erasmus and Luther to the work of Columbus! If you can’t read this to your kids, but are studying this period read it yourself. Mrs. Foster writes well so it is an enjoyable read.

I don’t know the theological orientation of Mrs. Foster but she is fair in her portrayal of Christianity, willing to point out the glaring errors of Medieval Catholicism but also praising faithful people in the time. She is basically favorable towards Luther. At one point she says that Moses was a priest and warrior and as a result he was denied entrance into the Holy Land. This is not the reason he was denied entry! I was pleased that my sons noticed the error and my oldest suggested (as I was thinking) she may have been thinking of David who was not allowed to build the Temple.

In summary, we strongly recommend this book. Though it is long it provides an overall view of this entire period covering various countries, wars, art and all the key explorations in this era. The integrated view that results is very helpful.

First Voyage to America, From the Log of the Santa Maria

First Voyage to America, From the Log of the Santa Maria
By Christopher Columbus (Dover, 1991), pb, 91 pp.

This is a very interesting book. The text is taken directly from the surviving notes of Columbus’ log on this famous voyage. To have the actual text of Columbus’ recollections, his own statements about his thoughts, motives, fears, etc. is quite an opportunity. However, it is not a great read just straight through. We started it but shifted to another book. This could be a good book to dip into or to use as a resource.

Douglas Bond Continues the M’Kethe Story!

Quite a stir was caused at breakfast this morning when I told my boys of an email I had just received from Justin Taylor alerting me that Douglas Bond has written a new book about the M’Kethe family! The M’Kethe’s, whom we followed through the Crown & Covenant Series, have become almost dear friends to us! So we were delighted to hear that we would be able to read more of them. Bond’s new book, Guns of Thunder, is the first volume of his Faith & Freedom trilogy and picks up with Malcolm as a grandfather in pre-Revolutionary War America. Guns of Thunder was scheduled for release this month, but had some art related delays and is now expected for February. Since we are now moving into the 1700’s in history, we are looking forward to getting this book and reading it soon! You can pre-order the book at Amazon. You can see more about forthcoming books by Bond at his site.

Before Columbus: The Leif Eriksson Expedition

Before Columbus: The Leif Eriksson Expedition, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Landmark Books, (Random House, 2003), pb., 98 pp.

I remember enjoying Landmark books when I was a kid, so I anticipated reading some to my boys. This one is a good tool for telling the basic story of the Viking discovery of the New World. It is not a riveting retelling, but it covers the basics well. An author’s note tells you clearly what was based on data from the old sagas and what was invented by the author to fill in the blanks. That helps a lot.

One intriguing thing is that according to the author, she did not have data about Leif and Erik’s response to the introduction of Christianity by King Olaf. Without concrete data, she tells the story with Leif and Erik rejecting Christianity and holding to the old Norse gods. I wonder why she chose to present the story that way. Since we have already dealt with the Greek and Norse gods and how even in their own descriptions they are inferior to the One true God of the Bible, this was no big deal for us. However, if you have not crossed this bridge yet, then you would need to be prepared for it.

In summary, this book is useful for the history, but is not nearly as enticing as many others we have read. It is short, though, so if your children are accustomed to listening you can work through it.

The Beggars' Victory

The Beggars' Victory, Piet Prins
The Struggle for Freedom Series, vol. 3
(Inheritance Publications, 2006), pb., 173 pp.

I have previously reviewed vol 1 and vol 2 of this series, often referring to them as the “Martin and Boudewyn books.” This book seems to complete the story (though a fourth volume is projected). This book opens with Martin, his father and Boudewyn on the sea with others of the Sea Beggars, the independent ‘navy’ that fought for Dutch liberation from Spain. In the end, the main characters are able to return to their home which they had fled in volume 1.

This is a solid book that will introduce you and your children to some important history. However, it is hard to read/follow. With so many difficult Dutch names (of people and places), the introduction of so many different characters, and the apparent assumption of a working knowledge of Dutch geography reading can be slow and difficult. I often summarized or skipped place names. It was difficult to follow the train of thought in places because I did not know the relation between various cities or which names referred to regions and which referred to cities. The story itself was fine but not real compelling. It certainly would be difficult for any story that follows the reading of a particularly excellent story like the Crown & Covenant Series. The Crown & Covenant Series is better told and handles issues of self-defense, forgiveness, etc. in a better way. I think that volumes 2 and 3 of the Struggle for Freedom Series did not rise to the same level of volume 1.

In the end, my boys enjoyed this book, I think largely because they were already into the story. This is a fine book, but will require some work to read.

King's Arrow & Rebel's Keep

King's Arrowand Rebel's Keep, Douglas Bond
Vol. 2 & 3 in the Crown and Covenant Series
(P&R, 2003/2004), pb., 215 pp./ 275pp.

I have been meaning to write separate reviews of these books but time is passing so I decided to address them together. We completed vol 3 just before Christmas, and I must say that after the Chronicles of Narnia this is the best series we have read. We accidentally left it behind as we left for oru Christmas travels. We called a friend and she met us along an later part of our travels to get us the book so we could keep reading it! My wife, who is typically caring for our 8 month old daughter as I am reading to the boys, has begun reading the series for herself after hearing just a portion and being captivated by it. We read the final pages of Rebel’s Keep on the road and she teared up significantly. I can’t say enough good things about these books.

I might add some clarifications though. One friend commented that the books were hard to read aloud. They are very well written and much easier to follow that many other books we have read. I think he was referring, however, to the use of some Scottish words/pronunciation. I think I did not think to mention this previously because we became accustomed to some of what is in the book while living in Scotland. There is a glossary in the back of the book which is helpful although not every potentially confusing word is explained there. An important word to understand is “ken” which means “know.” Also “Och” and “Och, aye” occur frequently. They mean almost nothing really, something like “well” in American speech. There will be place for some stumbling with some of these words but perseverance wil pay off richly. I now hear my boys from time to time playing saying “I donnae ken” (“I don’t know”).

Secondly, these books are aimed at older kids- the cover suggests ages 10-14. I think these 2 volumes are a bit tougher than Duncan’s War. They are not profane or illicit in anyway. They simply deal straightforwardly with the suffering and death inflicted upon the Covenanters. My 6 and 8 year old boys appreciated it just as much as my 10 year old boy, but you will need to consider when your own children are ready for this. It is not gratuitous, but it is gritty.

These books have real substance, a compelling, adventurous plot, good theology, thoroughgoing worldview and are written so well. Rarely do all these elements come together so strongly it seems to me.

Lastly, I should say something about the specific contents of these volumes (!). King’s Arrow begins 13 years after the final events of Duncan’s War. By this time Angus has grown to be a young man who has continued his childhood interest in the bow. He has become a skillful archer and that plays a prominent role in the books. This book concludes with the (historical) battle at Drumclog. Rebel’s Keep then picks up in the same year. In Rebel’s Keep Malcolm, Duncan’s son takes on more of a role as well. Each of the three books concludes with a historical battle. The final volume resolves the issue of the M’Kethe family’s situation, but I’ll not spoil it by saying more.

Lastly, one other great element of the book is how naturally historical people and events are interwoven. My boys often said, “Whoa! So you mean he was a real person!” A list is given in the back of the names who were real people. This, along with the manner of writing, sets these books above the books we enjoyed about the Huguenots and the battle for independence in the Netherlands.

Duncan's War, A Story of the Covenanters

Duncan's War, Douglas Bond
Volume 1 in the Crown & Covenant Series
(P&R, 2002)

This is one of the best books we have ever read. That is saying a lot, but it is true. It is similar in strengths to the “Martin and Boudewyn books” (as we call them), but surpasses them. It has adventure, intrigue, humor and strong Christian figures.

The story is set in 17th century Scotland, the time when the Covenanters were being persecuted by King Charles. This is a significant time in the history of the Church but one that in my experience few American evangelicals are aware of. I became aware of it while we were in Scotland and have benefited deeply from reading about it. Thus, it was a joy to be able to introduce my boys to it early in their lives.

The story revolves around rising persecution and how the M’Kethe’s, a faithful, Covenanting family, will respond. This, however, is no one sided story. Bond is clear in his affinity for the Covenanters but also portrays hotheads on that side. Duncan, the main character, is a young boy who keeps the family sheep and dreams of glory in battle defending the rights of Christ and Covenant. His father, however, seeks to temper his son’s enthusiasm by holding firmly to the necessity to honor the King and to seek peace. One of the most compelling elements of the book is how Duncan’s father seeks to be completely faithful to the Scriptures in all situations eschewing hotheaded vengeance but reluctantly taking up the sword when necessary to defend his neighbors and family. When he finally does fight, he explains to Duncan that they do so in obedience to the command to love their neighbors. He loves his neighbor by fighting to rescue and elderly main from the torture of the Redcoats and by keeping those same Redcoats from committing grievous sin for which they would have to answer to God some day. A powerful, faithful and very sensible just war theory arises from the discussion- not in an abstract philosophical manner but in a very concrete way. This is a great thing for young boys. Young boys have a natural affinity for conflict, and that is not all bad. However too many other things either encourage this uncritically or condemn it outright. This book teaches them to wrestle with the Scriptures desiring obedience over all else. It teaches faithfulness despite all, the willingness to suffer and the clear rightness of defending others.

The story eventually leads to the historical battle at Rullion Green. One of the great aspects of the book is how Bond so naturally weaves his fictional characters into real events and into encounters with key figures of the day. The horror of battle is not downplayed. Duncan then becomes an example of real grit and courage in risking all to save his father. With the battle and subsequent hangings, this is not light stuff. The books are advertised as being for ages 10 to 14. My boys at ages 6, 8, & 10 loved it, but I did edit a bit. Bond is never gratuitous but he is dealing with persecution.

There is so much that could be said, but I will mention two others. One of the explicit points that Bond raises through the characters is why God allows the righteous to suffer. Duncan wrestles with why God allows the Covenanters to be persecuted and then why God would allow them to lose the battle. Why does God then allow godly men to be hanged by their persecutors. His interaction with his father on this topic is very helpful. With this topic and others we had a book that my boys loved which also raised significant topics of conversation for us. More than once during our reading and since I have been able to use events form the book as examples for instruction and exhortation.

Lastly, as I have alluded, Duncan’s father- Sandy M’Kethe- is one of the most powerful compelling features of the book. Here we have not simply an example of a strong, Christian man, but more specifically a father. Duncan’s hero is his Dad. Duncan’s best example of faithfulness, his key source of biblical instruction is his Dad. When Duncan is not sure what to do, he ponders what his Dad would do or say. When tempted with sin he worries about disappointing his Dad. This is excellent stuff both for encouraging sons to look to their father and in encouraging Dads to be this sort of man for their sons. Sandy M’Kethe is not perfect. He is open about his fears and deals honestly with his failures. He leads his family by teaching them the Scriptures and leading them in singing the Psalms. Fathers, read this book to your sons for your benefit as well as theirs.

This is probably more of a boys’ book. I would recommend it strongly for any family with boys. It would make a great gift to encourage boys and fathers.