Ars Libri

The novelization of his non-fiction work The Abolition Of Man. Many call it prophetic. The Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength) by C.S. Lewis (2011) Paperback This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Step back into the churning currents of the 19th-century Po River, where one family’s floating mill becomes the fragile stage for an epic struggle against the relentless tides of history and the unification of Italy.The version of the book that we own: The Mill on the Po This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

James Baldwin’s The Story of Roland (1883) is a classic retelling of the medieval legends surrounding the greatest of Charlemagne’s knights. It combines chivalry, epic battles, and old-school heroism in a web of interweaving adventures. This is one of the best books for boys and girls alike. Old original copies from Scribner and Sons are still available with wonderful artwork by Peter Hurd. 10/10 recommend. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Pulp adventure with violence (sword fights, arena battles) and mature themes (slavery, false gods, brutal combat). The series is best for older teens or adults. It is a classic sci-fi that was the first at world-building, planetary romance, and blending futuristic imagination with old-world heroism. Ok for mature teens, but not ideal for younger readers without guidance. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

My wife tells me why she likes this book and why she thinks I’m her Mr. Knightley. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Crime and Punishment is a psychological novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who murders an unscrupulous pawnbroker, believing himself to be a superior being exempt from moral law. Tormented by intense guilt and paranoia, Raskolnikov wrestles with his conscience while evading detection by the cunning investigator Porfiry Petrovich. Through suffering, spiritual redemption, and the influence of the compassionate Sonya, he ultimately confesses and begins a path toward moral regeneration.Intense psychological exploration of guilt, murder, and redemption; philosophical depth, moral complexity, and disturbing content make it appropriate only for mature adult readers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comThe first of a series in which we discuss the quest for the ideal homeschool and/or private school curriculum. Key guideposts are: Intention, Intelligence, and Identity.

A classic middle-grade fantasy with some intense moments and moral questions about responsibility and war. Although a popular book, it contains a good deal of lying and presents lies in a sympathetic light. Strongly suggest parents read this book with their children and/or talk to their children about the wrongness of lying.Recommended edition: The Indian in the Cupboard This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Tuck Everlasting is a novel by Natalie Babbitt, published in 1975. It follows ten-year-old Winnie Foster, a sheltered girl from the village of Treegap, who ventures into the nearby woods and discovers a hidden spring that grants eternal life. Winnie encounters the immortal Tuck family, who drank from the spring decades ago and have remained unchanged ever since. As Winnie grows close to the Tucks—especially the youthful Jesse—she considers the question of whether living forever is a blessing or a curse, while a mysterious stranger threatens to expose their secret. The story thoughtfully explores themes of life, death, and the natural cycle of existence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comCan any good stories be written in the age of cell phones, social media, and the internet? We explore ways of knowing prior to and after the advent of new technologies and discuss why all good stories are based on a world without them.

A truly Great Book and wonderful story about the lives of gentry in late 18th century England. Everyone - including men - should read the book at least twice.We also recommend watching the six-part BBC movie series. Wholesome for any ages. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

The story of a 10 year old young man in the 1300s who, despite physical disability, proves his noble and courageous spirit by industry and bravery amid plague and war.This is a good book in that it presents strong characters who face real world trials and, by grace and effort, they overcome. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Today we’re stepping back to 1906 with E. Nesbit’s timeless classic, The Railway Children—a story of three brave siblings whose ordinary world turns upside down, leading them to a little house by the tracks where adventure, courage, and real-life lessons wait around every bend. If you’ve ever wanted a book that feels like it was written for curious homeschool hearts, this is it.The movie filmed in the year 2000 is quite good. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comA wide-ranging rant loosely based on H.G. Well’s book “The Shape Of Things To Come”.Topics include: World War, C.S. Lewis, Global Technocrat Elites, Louisa May Alcott, Birth Rates, Janes Austen, Utopia vs. Dystopia, the film Demolition Man, Boomers, Millennials, Zoomers, the film The Matrix, Christmas, Eugenics, Elon Musk, Trad Culture.

A major Italian epic from the 1500s. You should absolutely read and reread this one.This story weaves all of classical mythology, Arthurian romances, European Christendom, and even gets into pre-modern “sci-fi”. It’s a tour de force in Western Tradition, civilization, and culture - with heavy doses of comedy, tragedy, adventure, love, and war.Gustave Dore drew over 200 illustrations for this story.I recommend the Oxford World Classics translation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

The Nibelungenlied has been called the Germanic Iliad. Written down in the 1200s a.d., the tale goes back to the 400s, drawing upon Germanic and Nordic history, legend, and mythology, including the Poetic Edda and the Volsungasaga. It includes the well known hero of Siegfried, who slew Fafnir and gained Balmung and the Nibelung hoard. Siegfried then seeks the hand of Kriemhild, but tragedy soon befalls them, with Kriemhild seeking revenge at great cost.The Nibelungenlied is a Germanic epic that illustrates a different romance than English and French chivalric tales. The Nibelungenlied involves fatalism and heroic tragedy that are peculiarly German in character. The scenes are lusciously painted in high relief, with all the trappings of courtly grandeur. This only serves to make the fall even more poignant.We have two versions: World Oxford Classics and The Nibelungenlied: with The Klage This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

I was led to the works of Isaac Azimov from one of Tolkien’s letters where he said, “I read quite a lot – or more truly, try to read many books (notably so-called Science Fiction and Fantasy)…I enjoy the S.F. of Isaac Azimov.”Azimov’s writings have profoundly influenced scientifically-minded inventors, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders. His works have been made into film, and there are at least three huge corporations today (Google being one) that have modeled themselves on the ideas found in Azimov’s stories. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

George MacDonald wrote fairytales in the late 1800s. His influence is seen in many writers, such as Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton, Auden, and more. This particular story follows a young boy named Diamond who goes on dreamlike adventures with North Wind while also remaining well-grounded in the mundane world of London. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is from my other podcast: Ars Politica. I read a few hilarious and charming scenes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. These scenes capture the spirit of Christmas that once was and hopefully will be again.Ars Libri is a book podcast for everyone: students, parents, young and adult readers. For more politically-focused book discussions, checkout Ars Politica. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

A deeply profound poem, worth memorizing and reciting during Christmastide. It brings depth, gravitas, and power to our sentimental holiday season.Read free online here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

H.L. Mencken was a journalist in the early 20th century whose satirical wit and anti-christian rhetoric gained him everlasting fame. So, I was surprised to learn that he wrote a story about Christmas. Working as a journalist in Baltimore, he was witness to an attempt by “freethinkers” (atheists, agnostics, skeptics, etc) to provide a Christmas feast for the homeless that would outshine similar efforts by Christians. The goal was to prove that religion isn’t needed to be a morally good person. But the entire thing backfired spectacularly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

A wonderful book that tells the story of Elin, a young Swedish girl who immigrates to the New Sweden Colony along the Delaware River in 1648, and her experiences adapting to life in a new land. Beautifully illustrated by the author. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comC.S. Lewis wrote many essays on literature and fiction. “On Stories” discusses the importance of actually reading and discussing stories, as opposed to merely using stories for critical analysis of society, culture, or other issues.

“One Little Tree: A Christmas Card of a Finnish Landscape” by E.M. Almedingen is a Finnish story of Christmas during WWI. It follows Arni who promised a Christmas tree to his sister, Kesti. Arni must navigate keeping his promise amid the Soviet blockade of the frontier where the only suitable trees grow. Faithfulness, piety, family, and hope fill the story amid the gloom of deep winter and a long war. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comEpic poem by Thomas Babington Macaulay, not in length but in greatness of spirit, heroism, and sacrifice. Like the 300 of Sparta that would later hold off 2,000,000 Persians from Greece, Horatius with only two others held off 100,000 enemy soldiers from invading Rome. The story is amazing. It should be memorized by every boy, every man.

A hilarious comedy set in Messina that follows two sets of lovers: Claudio and Hero, and Benedict and Beatrice.Plays were meant to be performed and watched. We recommend Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 version. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comC.S. Lewis wrote many essays on literature and fiction. “On Stories” discusses the importance of actually reading and discussing stories, as opposed to merely using stories for critical analysis of society, culture, or other issues.

A Tale of Two Cities is a classic historical novel by Charles Dickens, published in 1859, that weaves a gripping story of love, sacrifice, and revolution set against the turbulent backdrop of late 18th-century London and Paris during the French Revolution. Through the intertwined lives of characters like the aristocratic Charles Darnay, the resilient Lucie Manette, and the brooding Sydney Carton, it explores themes of resurrection, social injustice, and the human cost of upheaval, famously opening with the line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë follows the passionate, destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose tumultuous relationship spans generations, marked by revenge and tragedy. Although considered a classic now, the novel's gothic romanticism portrays adulterous love as redeeming. We would cautious against offering this book for young adult readers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

More violent, wild, and yet more Christian - in some ways - than other fairy tale collections. Since there are over 600 of these tales, we only cover the four most popular, found in all available compilations of the works of Afanasyev, the Russian who originally compiled Russian tales in the 1800s: Ivan and the Wolf, Marya Morevna, Vasilissa the Beautiful, and Frog Princess.We get into the nature of fairy tales and why the world they present is important. We also comment on some matters like gender, marriage, sexuality that may be rated “PG-13”. Good versions of these tales:Russian Fairy Tales, Illustrated by Ivan Bilibin option 1Russian Fairy Tales, Illustrated by Ivan Bilibin option 2Vasilisa The BeautifulTale Of The Firebird - a personal favorite* 00:00 Introduction* 01:03 Brief Overview* 06:06 Story of Ivan Tsarevich And The Gray Wolf* 30:31 Story of Vasilissa The Beautiful* 41:43 Story Of Marya Marevna* 1:01:16 Story of Tsaervna Frog (The Frog Princess) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comIn Chesterton’s book Orthodoxy, the fourth chapter is entitled “The Ethics Of Elfland". Chesterton outlines how Fairy Tales gave him his “first and last philosophy”, his worldview, if you will. We read and explore this chapter together.

Lewis’ Space Trilogy includes Out Of The Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. In darker yet more gripping themes than his other writings, Lewis infuses sci-fi with classical mythology and Christian theology. Most importantly, he critiques modern scientism, imperialism, and transhumanism, replacing these with a richly Christian anthropology. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comMiltiades was the Athenian general who led the victory of Athens against Darius and the Persians at the Battle Of Marathon in 490 b.c. This victory saved Greece from becoming a province of the Persian Empire, preserving Greek culture, philosophy, art which would go on to play a founding role in Western Civilization. Miltiades gained great fame, but he w…

With special guest Mrs. Bendwell Werry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comSolon created Athenian democracy by writing new and better laws than Draco had left them. Yet this form of democracy is different than what we know of the term today. Solon also led Athens in great battles, wrote poetry, traveled widely, learned of the lost city of Atlantis, and gave King Croesus advice about happiness that saved his life. Listen to lea…

Classical Myths in the skies. Christian Myth in the stars. Tech as a bridge to Mystery. Expansive spirit of Europeans.A ship bearing 50 men and women travels at high speed to a distant planet. The mission is to extend human life beyond earth. But the ship encounters a problem and becomes unable to stop accelerating. The ship’s crew suffer psychological dilemmas of separation from home, people, civilization, but even time. Some of the crew experience loss of purpose and meaning, while others find the drive to live and overcome against all odds.I recommend this book for adults only, due to certain themes discussed in the show. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comIn "On Fairy-stories," J.R.R. Tolkien provides a comprehensive exploration of the fairy-story genre, defining its significance as a legitimate literary form for both adults and children, and articulating his concept of “sub-creation” as the foundation for fantasy. This essay serves as the theoretical backbone for his fiction, bridging The Hobbit and The…

HCA compiled numerous tales and wrote many of his own. They are full of both fantasy and realism.One never graduates or outgrows true fairy tales.We have the Canterbury Classics edition, as well as the Calla and a few individual titles. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comThe Solomon-like second king of Rome. Numa Pomilius was Plato’s ideal “philosopher-king” whose virtue, wisdom, and piety made him revered by all. By divine guidance he restructured Rome from the warring state created by blood-stained Romulus into an orderly, religious, even virtuous budding civilization. In order to make Romans good men and good citizen…

A true classic in the way it captures the world of its time so well and how each of the characters have a depth and rich story arc. We discuss the central characters and themes, including duties to family, freedom of the individual, “gender roles”, parenting, virtue, faith, and more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comLycurgus was the law-giver of Sparta - like Moses for the Hebrews - and his laws remained in place for over 500 years! Lycurgus’ example and laws made Sparta one of the greatest Greek city-states, whose history was revered, studied, and even emulated by everyone during its day. Tales and movies of Sparta’s greatness are still told, written, and even put…

Lonesome Dove is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Western epic by Larry McMurtry. The story follows retired Texas Rangers Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the late 1870s. They gather a varied crew and face harsh landscapes, outlaws, Native American raids, and personal trouble. The story combines adventure, friendship, and tragedy, portraying the cost of ambition and the mythos of the Old West.Recommended reading for adults only, due to violence, language, and sexual elements. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comWe read and discuss Tolkien’s essay On Faerie Stories, where Tolkien discusses how he views and writes fairy tales. There is a lot to learn:* What are fairy stories?* Where do they come from?* Who are they for?* Why are many modern “fairy tales” not so at all?* How have some recent versions become poor retellings? And more.

This is one of those books I never would have read except that my children asked me. And then the story turned out to profoundly rival many that I have read in “higher” literature like Plutarch’s Lives. The main character begins at a great height in life, falls miserably low, and rises again through miraculous providence. She keeps her “princess” dignity throughout, strengthened by imagination and stories.All ages should read. The hardcover edition illustrated by Tasha Tudor is the best.* 00:00 Introduction* 00:50 Retelling of A Little Princess (Spoilers)* 06:21 Readings from A Little Princess* 19:48 Discussion This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comEveryman’s Plutarch series provides short biographies about famous men and women in Western history, from ancient, medieval, and modern times.Romulus was the founder of Rome. We retell and discuss his story, reading from Famous Men of Rome with notes from my personal reading of Plutarch’s Lives. This is recorded live as we homeschool our own children.Th…

Tolstoy’s writing is long, deep, and serious. He pulls you into the lives and characters of his subjects. You become bound up with their actions and decisions. Anna’s tale is a true tragedy, which contrasts with Lenin’s tale showing how happiness can be achieved.We’d recommend becoming familiar with a list of characters before listening, since the story is complex and our discussion isn’t meant to teach but explore the book.Suitable for adults, preferably already married. Yet, the lessons should be learned by all.We own several copies but this one is our favorite. It’s a great translation, and the binding is just beautiful.We recommend watching this movie version of the book.* 00:00 Introduction* 01:06 Retelling of Anna Karenina* 05:32 Reading Selection of Anna Karenina* 29:03 Discussion This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.comTheseus is the first character discussed in Plutarch’s Lives. So, we begin with him as well. He was a founding figure of Athens, establishing many customs and traditions. He achieves great victories and commits great sins.Become a paid subscriber for bonus episodes.Everyman’s Plutarch series goes through the great figures of history, with short biograph…

Western morality is bound up with the deceptively profound lessons of Aesop’s Fables. Men of old took them seriously. Ancient students memorized them. Socrates recounted them on his death bed. Aristotle said they were necessary for maturity. Jesus spoke at least one of the fables to his disciples. Renaissance men translated them along with Homer. Great Christian leaders used them in sermons. Our language and moral assumptions today are infused with Aesop’s Fables. We had a great time recording this one. Listen and follow along!We have the Calla Edition Aesop’s Fables.* 00:00 Introduction* 00:51 Reading of Aesop's Fables* 08:52 Discussion This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe