BOOK NOTES

 

We can now provide the original McGuffey’s Eclectic Readers, a seven-volume set, from the primer through fourth reader. Published first in 1836, these books have had 120 million pupils. While they teach reading and vocabulary, they do so by teaching values and morals, and they are always conscious of God. The stories “with a moral lesson” are delightful. They are ideal for grandparents to have around the house when the grandkids come, and they make an excellent gift for parents with growing children. I use the paperback edition, which is attractively boxed and in durable binding, but there is the more elegant hardback edition. Paperback, 39.95; hardback, 69.95, postpaid.

Since anything Michael Green writes is worth the while, you should know about his The Empty Cross of Jesus, which examines the question of why Jesus had to die. But there is much more. The chapter on the implications of Easter will thrill you. 6.95 postpaid.

We are restocking Francis Schaeffer’s Joshua and the Flow of History, the price of which is 5.50 postpaid. If you read the chapter on the meaning of the cities of refuge, you will want to read the entire book, which sheds much light on that part of the Bible.

Malcolm Muggeridge, once a cynical British journalist, insisted back in 1964, that the claims of the Christian religi In were completely incredible. A few years later, following a dramatic turn in his life, he told the world that the living presence of Christ was all that he cared about. His story is told in a delightful little book, The Practical Christianity of Malcolm Muggeridge by David Porter, 5.50 postpaid.

F.F. Bruce is another who cannot do a bad book. His newest one, The Pauline Circle, tells about some of the seventy people in the New Testament whose names are connected to Paul’s, even including his hosts and hostesses. It will surprise you what he comes up with in just 100 pages about these lesser known characters, information that sheds light on the larger drama, 5.50 postpaid.

If you have not yet read John White, an exciting writer, you could well begin with The Fight, which is a practical study of the tragedy, joy, and triumph of the Christian life. His chapters of faith, prayer, and temptation are especially needed, 6.50 postpaid.

Everett F. Harrison’s The Apostolic Church would make ideal assigned reading for the theme we are now developing in this journal. He treats the political and religious climate in which the early church emerged and goes on to describe the essential features of the church itself. A special feature is his treatment of individual churches. 12.95 postpaid.

We are pleased to learn that both graduate and undergraduate courses in our colleges on Restoration history are using The Stone-Campbell Movement by Leroy Garrett. One student wrote, who has read everything he could find on the subject, that this book was the most honest he had read. Now, if it will only be given an honest reading and an honest chance. We will send you a copy for 21.95, postpaid. Or you may receive a copy free gratis if you will send us a list of eight subs, including your own if you like, new or renewal (24.00).