Books published by Pantianos Classics

Cambridge scholar and political philosopher John Neville Figgis examines how ideas concerning politics and religion changed during the Renaissance.Drawing on a range of pertinent texts from a period spanning over two centuries, Figgis examines how some of the finest scholars of the Renaissance era established and refined their ideas. In the earlier part of the period, politics was deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church and the authority of the Pope. Later on, the upheaval of the Reformation resulted in a dramatic surge of ideas, changing forever how the rule of a given monarch was connected with Christendom.By the 17th century, the controversial notion of the divine, God-given right of kings to rule had emerged. As Figgis recalls, the notion met with opposition and eventual revolt in the Netherlands; the deposing of the Dutch monarch sent shockwaves through Europe, and foresaw the beginnings of the Enlightenment era.The author's analysis is thorough and well-sourced, with sources such as Martin Luther, Gerson, Grotius, Machiavelli as well as a multitude of lesser-known scholars consulted. What results is an engrossing narrative, tracing the origins of Europe's religious, political and monarchic crises to ideas expounded by various thinkers. The gradual shifts of authority from the centralized church, to the monarch, and finally to the proto-Republican movements of nations, are shown to be rooted in scholarly ideas.

Tales of Languedoc is a collection of folk stories from southern France; set during the late Middle Ages and retold in modern English, the author takes effort to be faithful and accurate to the original tales.The color and cultural vibrance of rural France is reflected in the stories, as is the countryside of Languedoc; a region which is today part of Occitanie. We witness the knightly and noble classes of France vying for superiority and popular renown in the region through contests of might or bravery. The toppling of the unjust, whereby young heroes rise from obscurity against the odds, is a popular recurring theme in these stories of yore.Steeped in heroism, the stories are part of a single long narrative in which the author's grandfather - a seasoned traveler experienced with all of France - reveals local legends. Vignettes of the old France, a country both fertile and rugged where most travel was upon horseback or on foot, set the scene. A succession of heroes and villains are revealed in this landscape; feats of physical prowess, sheer good fortune, and the efforts of companions contribute to the adventures that unfold.As European folklore, the Tales of Languedoc are underappreciated - illustrated with over thirty drawings by Ernest C. Peixotto, this reprinting is of high quality.

Grace King's stories offer vivid glimpses into Louisiana's heritage, set in the rural bayou and the lively French Quarter of New Orleans.Born to a prominent family in New Orleans, Grace King nevertheless experienced hardship in the years following the American Civil War. Her character's in these lively stories range from the impoverished to the wealthy and distinguished; the full social strata of Louisiana are depicted as it was in the mid-19th century. With the state's French heritage comes outpourings of patriotism and recollections of Napoleon's glory, while Christian adherence underpins much of the society.Bayou L'Ombre is a story notable for its autobiographical elements and setting during the U.S. Civil War. The confusion and chaos of the time serves as a backdrop to the dramas unfolding in the marshy districts around the family sugar plantation. The occupying federal forces, and rumors of fighting somewhere off in territory further north convey tension, drama and uncertainty - though Grace King was but a girl at the time, her memories of this fraught era were lifelong.In all, Tales of a Time and Place carries historical value; the distant past of Louisiana, its lively ethnic diaspora, its diversity and traditions, and the clashes residents endured - both cultural and military - make for engrossing fiction.

Margaret Gatty's parables celebrate the natural world and provision life guidance: wise and attentive, their moral lessons are valuable for persons of all ages.Many of the stories within contain memorable and commonsense examples of acting the right way. Using the beauty of nature as a medium for expression, the author demonstrates the importance of good conduct and living a life by firm principles. While the teachings are simple to grasp, the author lavishes her stories with expressive language and vocabulary, which serves to make the narrations easier to recall, while offering a challenge for younger readers eager to improve their English skills.Unconstrained by preconceived notions of teaching, Margaret Gatty's fullest talents and instinctive abilities are displayed in these parables. Not content merely with dispensing lessons, the author wants readers to think and appreciate the greatness of the outdoors and the majesty of nature. An overarching lesson in most of these tales is having respect and taking joy in the Earth in which we are born.Born in England in 1809, Margaret Gatty realized her interests in both writing and the natural world from a young age. In adulthood, she was a notable contributor in the field of marine biology - in the modern day, it is for these parables that she is best remembered.

In this manual of Christian faith, Scottish minister and author Horatius Bonar investigates the words of God with respect to humanity and the human condition.Throughout the Bible, God's words are relayed by messengers and prophets. In the various dialogues received from the Lord, the views of the divine regarding His creation mankind are revealed. It is through these descriptions that Horatius Bonar commences his investigation of God's correspondences with man; gradually, the character of the Lord is revealed, and his intentions and purposes for humanity unveiled.The event which most richly demonstrates God's connection with human beings is the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Bonar notes the significance of the blood shed by Jesus is connected with the blood shed by Abel during the Book of Genesis. Furthermore the teachings and sermons of Christ reveal much about God's views on mankind and its destiny. The importance of man acknowledging his own fallibility and flaws - of discarding his insensibility - is expounded upon.Overall, Horatius Bonar presents an impressive primer on what Christianity means in the context of the Creator and man's place on the Earthly plane.

With informed readings of scripture, Horatius Bonar discusses the teachings central to Christianity, and the good Christian's relationship to the divine.Various topics are covered in this book's chapters, such as the importance of strengthening the soul to guard against sin, the symbolism and holy power of the crucifix, and how Christ's spirit dwells within Christians, lending support and resolution through times of hardship. What holiness is, and its ancient origins in mankind's interactions with the Lord and his messengers, is detailedThroughout this study, Horatius Bonar's scholarship is in the fullest evidence. Definitive and emphatic in his guidance, the words are delivered straightforwardly, with little dwelling on the obscure. Primarily through the use of the New Testament scripture, the author seeks to confer an understanding of Christian principles and the veneration of God. Particular attention is paid to the book of Romans, with the interpretations of the Apostle Paul taken as a foremost source of clarity.Though the author was primarily known in life for his hymn writing, in manuals such as these his depth of Biblical knowledge is evident. Working as a minister in the Church of Scotland for several decades, Bonar's scholarly activities were acknowledged with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree issued by the University of Aberdeen.

The philosophical thoughts of Emperor Marcus Aurelius are presented here in a superb reprint, brimming with the intellect and sincerity of the author.Known for his tolerance and benevolence, Marcus Aurelius was the only Emperor to tolerate satire of his own character. As a ruler he was renowned for sound judgment, respected for both his military successes and for his wise, measured governance. Such deeds were derived from his education; a lifelong admirer of the Greek philosophers, Aurelius developed his own, unique interpretation of Stoicism which is encapsulated in this text.Though Aurelius was the final of the 'Five Good Emperors', the precepts of his Meditations would be consulted by rulers - Roman and otherwise - for millennia to follow. While Rome experienced decline and chaos, its historians and scholars remembered Marcus Aurelius as a pinnacle of competence. A man experienced in inspiring leadership in battle, Aurelius was justly considered a fountain for sound advice: how to compose oneself and judge how to act, how to practice and lead a life of virtue and contentment, and how to treat others in an even-handed yet inspiring manner are but a few of the tenets at hand.This edition of the Meditations features the much-respected translation by scholar of classics George Long.

Notable in the Presbyterian tradition, Benjamin B. Warfield's sermons on the history and significance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour are as lively, informed and embracing today as ever.Delivered in the closing years of the 19th century, these lectures are unflinching in their accuracy and frankness: not a man to mince words or bluster, Warfield tells us who Jesus was and what He meant for the faithful of the world. The undoubted accomplishments of Christ, and his sacrifice for the sake of mankind, are detailed with the authoritative quotation of scripture. Warfield was a conservative even in his time: revivalism, which the author felt to be a distraction from the core teachings of Christ, has no presence in this work.For readers seeking a classic perspective on the life of Christ, this book is one which confronts the topics at hand with boldness. For years, Warfield ran the Princeton Theological Seminary, an institution which to this day is influential in educating those who will become Presbyterian ministers. The preacher's forthright tone of captivation is prevalent throughout, supported by scriptural citations and the emphatic manner in which Warfield - a famously assertive scholar - delivers truths about Jesus.

Sydney G. Fisher describes the arrival and settlement of the Quaker denomination in colonial North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.The initial chapter of Fisher's work is enmeshed with the establishment of the Quaker movement within the United Kingdom. Formed in opposition to the Puritan ideas, Quakerism formed in the wake of the chaos of the English Civil War. At the same time, colonists were encouraged to travel to North America, that Britain's holdings be expanded in size and the new continent's great wealth be enjoyed by the settlers and the wider Empire.Second only to the Puritans in terms of number, many Quakers departed England after suffering persecution - eager for a fresh start, it was thus that thousands acted to bolster the settlements of Philadelphia, New Jersey as well as smaller towns on the Delaware river. They became successful traders and planters, and the presence of the Society of Friends in the modern cities is clear to behold to this day. The cover photograph of this edition is of a Quaker almshouse in Philadelphia, built in 1713.A clearly written and easily digested history, Fisher wrote to entertain and inform ordinary Americans seeking to know about their nation's colonial history.

These daily meditations on Christian belief take the form of Bible quotations and discussions; one for the morning, and one for the evening of each day.A great companion for ordinary believers throughout the year, this book's intention is to offer spiritual guidance and comfort to followers of God who count among the laboring poor. In the 19th century, tough physical labor performed under grueling conditions was common - the long hours demanded by such toil meant that many Christians, though genuine of faith, simply lacked the time for spiritual contemplation. It is for these neglected faithful that Robert Hawker created this book.Each morning and evening portion contains between 150 and 600 words; the size of a newspaper article or bulletin. The lessons and thought offered are to-the-point, teaching about a given Bible phrase, psalm, or proverb. Every nugget of spiritual wisdom is prefaced with a Biblical quotation that directly pertains to the author's explanations and instruction.Robert Hawker was a minister in Plymouth, England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His public preaching and writings made him one of the best-known and appreciated men of God in his region, and he was among the first churchmen to advance the notion of Sunday School. The plight of the local poor saw Hawker engage in many causes; overseeing funds to support locals who were hungry or destitute, as well as women who had fallen into vice.