Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for Feb. 2–8

Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for Feb. 2–8
Dustin Bass
Jeff Minick
Barbara Danza
Updated:
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This week we feature a fascinating look at the ancient Roman roads and their modern counterparts and a meditative guide to art and artists who’ve helped us see past suffering to beauty.

Nonfiction

“There is beauty in the brokenness,” writes this Presbyterian minister, who explores beauty and brokenness through the lives of painters from the Renaissance to the present. Ramsey aims for us to learn and love art through the eyes of faith. In addition to his stories of painters, reflections on beauty, and religious musings, Ramsey encourages readers to pursue their own arts, whether it’s cooking, gardening, or raising children. This compact meditation is in itself a thing of beauty.

Zondervan, 2022, 272 pages

Historical Fiction

Flavia Albia is the adopted daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman informer (private investigator) in first-century Imperial Rome. Flavia has become something of an informer herself. While Falco is off celebrating the Saturnalia festival outside of Rome, one of his old acquaintances shows up in Rome, seeking Falco to do an investigation. Flavia convinces the man to hire her, instead. A fast-paced and exciting story follows in what might be the most elaborate mystery Davis has written yet.

Minotaur Books, 2022, 352 pages

Travel

‘Following Caesar’ By John Keahey

One of Rome’s most enduring achievements was its road system, which remains the basis of many roads in modern Europe. While many streets and byways have been paved over, original portions of Roman roads still exist. This book follows those ancient roads. Part travelogue, part ancient history, part current events, part philosophical musing: This work explores Roman history through its roads. It’s a delightful read that brings the past to life with impressive comparisons and contrasts between the ancient and modern roads.

St. Martin’s Press, 2023, 256 pages

Ancient History

The Hellenistic timeline is broad, but Michael Grant’s expansive knowledge of ancient history, scholarship, and his ability to write in layman’s terms makes learning about the world less of a challenge. This book is a thorough look at the time of the Ancient Greeks, though more accurately, the Hellenistic world—terminology that Grant clarifies early on. For readers looking for a good introduction into the culture, commerce, warfare, and people of this ancient time, this a great starting point.

Scribner, 1982, 319 pages

Classic Historical Fiction

‘The Long Roll’ By Mary Johnston

Before “Gone with the Wind,” many critics acclaimed Johnston’s 1911 novel as the most successful history of the American Civil War. Here we follow the fortunes of the soldiers under the command of Stonewall Jackson. Through extensive research, Johnston recreates such battles as the Seven Days and Sharpsburg, as well as giving us a vivid picture of the home front and the politics of secession and war. She also wrote a sequel called “Cease Firing.” A superb and imaginative blending of fact and fiction.

CreateSpace, 2017, 224 pages, reprint

For Kids

‘St. George and the Dragon’ By Margaret Hodges and Trina Schart Hyman

In this thrilling tale, a brave knight is called upon to rescue a kingdom from a terrifying dragon. Hodges’ award-winning story highlights the bravery of the knight and emphasizes the virtues of kindness, humility, and loyalty. The book’s captivating illustrations make for an unforgettable adventure that will delight readers of all ages.

Little, Brown Books, 1984, 32 pages

Dustin Bass is an author and co-host of The Sons of History podcast. He also writes two weekly series for The Epoch Times: Profiles in History and This Week in History.
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