Harriet Beecher Stowe was appalled by slavery, and she took one of the few options open to nineteenth century women who wanted to affect public opinion: she wrote a novel, a huge, enthralling narrative that claimed the heart, soul, and politics of millions of her contemporaries. Uncle Tom's Cabin paints pictures of three plantations, each worse than the other, where even the best plantation leaves a slave at the mercy of fate or debt. Her questions remain penetrating even today: "Can man ever be trusted with wholly irresponsible power?"

First published more than 150 years ago, this monumental work is today being reexamined by critics, scholars, and students. Though "Uncle Tom" has become a synonym for a fawning black yes-man, Stowe's Tom is actually American literature's first black hero, a man who suffers for refusing to obey his oppressors. Uncle Tom's Cabin is a living, relevant story, passionate in its vivid depiction of the cruelest forms of injustice and inhumanity-and the courage it takes to fight against them.

The Ignatius Critical Editions represent a tradition-oriented alternative to popular textbook series such as the Norton Critical Editions or Oxford World Classics, and are designed to concentrate on traditional readings of the Classics of world literature. Whereas many modern critical editions have succumbed to the fads of modernism and post-modernism, this series will concentrate on tradition-oriented criticism of these great works. Edited by acclaimed literary biographer, Joseph Pearce, the Ignatius Critical Editions will ensure that traditional moral readings of the works are given prominence, instead of the feminist, or deconstructionist readings that often proliferate in other series of 'critical editions'. As such, they represent a genuine extension of consumer-choice, enabling educators, students and lovers of good literature to buy editions of classic literary works without having to 'buy into' the ideologies of secular fundamentalism. The series is particularly aimed at tradition-minded literature professors offering them an alternative for their students. The initial list will have about 15 - 20 titles. The goal is to release three books a season, or six in a year.

Edited by Joseph Pearce

Contributors to this volume:
Dedra McDonald Birzer
Mark Canada
John J. Han
Mary R. Reichardt

Learn the story of the Patroness of First Communicants - and catechize on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist through the amazing story of the young girl who helped lower the age for First Communion.

This is the companion coloring book to one of the stories on the Glory Stories volume 1 audio CD, "Let the Children Come to Me" (the other story on this CD is "Fresh Flowers in Winter," the story of St Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe).

A new edition of a beloved book on Brother Francis of Assisi by internationally acclaimed illustrator and author of children's books, Tomie dePaola.

Among his many wonderful books on saints, this one fulfilled his lifelong ambition to bring the story of St. Francis to people of all ages and cultures. Drawing on his extensive artistic background, primary source material, and two trips to Assisi, he has made this dream come true with this volume.

While aimed at children ages 5 and up, it is suitable for all ages, telling the complete story of St. Francis in a simple and powerful style, with so many inspiring details of his humble life.

Illustrated with dePaola's inspiring and delicate artwork in deep earth tones watercolors.

Brother Rafael heard a voice speak to his heart. It was not like the cackling of the red devils—causing confusion, sadness, and regret. This voice was gentle, curious, eager for a conversation.
"What are you doing?" asked the voice.
"What do you mean, what am I doing?" asked Brother Rafael—inwardly, of course, so as not to disturb his brothers. "Lord, what a question! I'm peeling turnips."
"But why are you peeling turnips?"

It's cold and rainy outside, and inside the monastery kitchen. Brother Rafael is having a bad day. Pestered by gloomy thoughts, he is becoming discouraged. What does he do to let in the light and the warmth he needs? He turns to Jesus. This uplifting and lavishly illustrated story will inspire children to call on God for strength in the daily struggle against temptation.