Books published by Pantianos Classics

Henry Ferdinand Suksdorf presents a history of humankind framed in the context of various races to have emerged throughout history.Writing in 1911, it was the author's belief that each race of humankind undergoes a period of ascendance, followed by a peak wherein intellectual and civilizational achievements are made, and finally a ruinous decline into decadence. In support of his hypothesis, Suksdorf discusses the various civilizations and empires of the past, noting how each has followed this pattern. For the author, each race of humankind has undergone the process of a societal zenith, followed by a fall.After listing the various successes and demises of twenty-two different races, the author concludes with the Human Race - a prediction that eventually, all of the various races will largely unite. This unity will produce a final peak for human society; a global brotherhood of man. Suksdorf's prognosis is that national identity will diminish in importance, and that a golden age will emerge in which new heights of societal and moral standards will be met owing to a burgeoning of activity and cooperation. In particular, the author highlights the United States - a nation comprised of peoples with diverse heritages - as a forerunner to this future.

Our Family Doctor is a medical primer dating to the late 19th century, designed for use in the home - it is reprinted here for its historical value.Since this short book dates to the 1880s, the medical procedures and treatments described are starkly different from the modern day. The remedies for various serious ailments such as pneumonia, diphtheria and smallpox have long been superseded by improvements in medical science. As such, the value of this book is its demonstration of historic medicine - a time when the use of substances such as Sulphur, flax seeds, quinine and morphine to alleviate symptoms of life-threatening diseases was normal.Originally, this book was attached to a medicine case which households could buy and keep in case of a sudden outbreak of illness. At the time, although such medicines were implied as a substitute for a doctor, the author is clear that if a disease progresses further that an actual physician must be summoned to the house to administer treatment.An advertisement, listing the chemical tablets and droppers included in the company's medical kit, is appended at the conclusion of this book.

Biblical scholar Frank Knight Sanders provides a timeline and examination of the Hebrew prophets who appeared in the Old Testament.Spanning hundreds of years of Bible history, this book distinguishes and clarifies the messages of individual prophets. Beginning with Amos the Herdsman, the first prophet to appear following the reign of King David and King Solomon, Sanders examines a variety of prophetic messengers. The catalyst for their emergence, what they foretell precisely, and how they influenced their society, are recurring topics treated in each chapter.Intended as a foundational text upon which students of the Bible can base their later teachings, this manual provides an organized approach to prophecy. The generations of Israelite prophets, and the various substance of their words to the Hebrew community, are explained with clarity. The narrative constantly refers to the Bible books, citing chapter and verse, that the reader may gain insight.The concluding appendices recommend a variety of literature for students to build upon the knowledge gained in this text. The author also suggests questions and discussions for the classroom setting, that teachers may assist students of the Old Testament in their search for knowledge.

Alhambra G. Deming's entertaining stories fuse fiction with figures, teaching young readers arithmetic while entertaining them with the adventures of Ralph, an entrepreneurial boy who undertakes odd jobs to support his family.Number Stories was conceived by Deming as a novel way of engaging children with numeracy and basic mathematics. Through the narrative stories in this book, we learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, while concepts such as percentages and fractions are also explained. Techniques of mental arithmetic are also explained, with equations demonstrated in clear and understandable ways.The narration focuses first on Ralph, a boy whose father is injured at work. Lacking a source of income to cover his Dad's health expenses, Ralph sells newspapers and groceries, makes lemonade, and hands in old clothes as a means of generating money. Later he journeys with his uncle to the family farm, where he learns how the farm business is a matter of calculating the size of fields and harvests. All of these adventures are accompanied by sums.The later portion of Number Stories takes place in Ralph's school, wherein his classmates are asked to raise money as part of a school project. As with the earlier chapters, the various ideas and novelties of the schoolchildren lead to their learning plenty of arithmetic.

Benjamin Tallmadge narrates his time spent as a military officer during the American Revolutionary War, detailing his roles as both commander and intelligence gatherer.Renowned for his successes during the American Revolution, Benjamin Tallmadge commences these memoirs with a brief family history. After this short introduction, he immediately describes his military training and deployment, and the witnessing of his first battle close to New York City. Stricken and steeled by the carnage of war, the young Tallmadge expresses his wish to see the Revolution to its very end.Upon demonstrating a keen sense of tactics, and mounting a successful raid wherein the supplies and premises of an enemy force were burned by Tallmadge and his fellow operatives, George Washington praised the officer's abilities. Throughout the conflict, Tallmadge proved an able spymaster; heading up the Culper Ring, a network of agents whose information in and around the New York area would prove extremely valuable to the war effort.As the conflict wore on, so did Tallmadge's skills and daring; he participated in captures of useful war supplies, and the surrender of a large British army. Eventually, the spent British resolved to declare peace. Tallmadge poignantly concludes his story by telling of his happy return to his hometown of Brookhaven on Long Island, and his subsequent joyous marriage.

Reverend Adam Crooks was an activist and minister whose tireless campaigns against slavery in the 19th century led to his being one of Methodist church's most famous abolitionists.Born at a time when slavery in America was scarcely questioned by the religious establishment, Reverend Crooks' felt a personal revulsion toward enslavement, and especially its continuation by individuals purporting to be true Christians. Despite the dangers of preaching the abolitionist cause in the southern states where slavery was legal, he did so tirelessly and for many years - encouraging congregations and other Christian ministers to join his cause. After facing off against trumped up charges in court, Rev. Crooks' devotion to abolitionism became famous.Living to see the harrowing destruction of the U.S. Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation which followed, Adam Crooks diverted his spirit to a new cause: that of temperance. Until his death in 1874, Crooks was one of the fiercest proponents against alcohol, decrying what he viewed as its destructive and socially undermining attributes. His efforts, strident as they were, would encourage the growing influence of the temperance movement through the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Samuel Ward was the distinguished Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island in the period leading up to the Revolutionary War, a cause he famously supported.An able and efficient administrator, Ward would oversee Rhode Island during a period of both economic and social development. The overarching matter however would not be simple growth of the province: public opposition to the stamp taxation of the ruling British administration placed Ward in a difficult position - whether to enforce the measures enacted by the British rulers, or oppose them.In choosing the latter, Ward set an example of civil disobedience and emboldened the Revolutionary movement. Retiring from his position in 1767, Ward nevertheless stayed informed of political goings on. Summoned as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774, Ward died of smallpox mere months before hostilities commenced with the Declaration of Independence in 1776 - posthumously, his foreshadowing role and patriotism received praise among Americans.Though relatively brief, this biography summarizes the main achievements of Governor Ward, being well-researched with sources including George Washington's writings.

Traveler and writer Henry Bruce details the culture and qualities of the Malabar coast of India, as it was during the rule of the British Raj.Bruce begins by reflecting upon the beauty of Malabar's land, the serenity and unspoiled nature of the countryside, which is scarcely mentioned in the travel guidebooks of his era. Having spent a time touring and appreciating the region, he expresses his wish to bring its charms to a greater audience. Throughout the text, the author praises the hospitality rendered him: though old-fashioned, he finds the manner and customs of the locals charming.Describing the various locales, the reader discovers how Thrissur (rendered by Bruce in its Anglicized form as 'Trichur') appeared at the start of the 20th century. Though prosperous, the region was not ostentatious, with Bruce reporting a conviviality between the classes. The efficiency of the local administration, and the beauty of its temples and architecture, are amply noted.We also find descriptions of the Kingdom of Travancore; Bruce particularly notes the local maritime culture and abundant agricultural produce. Additionally, we receive perceptions of the ruling class and royalty of the region. In all, we find in this book poignant reflections upon a part of India whose historic qualities are partly eclipsed by modernizing developments.

Author and theologian Orson Spencer was a prominent early intellectual of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints: in this book, he explains the spiritual tenets of Mormonism in a series of fifteen letters.We find here a spirited effort by Orson Spencer to detail the theology of Mormonism for the reader, with reference to the most prominent figures within the denomination. He felt moved to author letters concerning such tenets as water baptism, the true and ineffable nature of God, and the latter-day judgements in order for the general public to understand Mormon beliefs.Spencer originally sought to enter the Christian ministry as a Baptist, but was taken by the faith of the fledgling Mormon movement. With the encouragement of his brother, he was baptized into the denomination in 1841, and in short order became distinguished for his theological knowledge.He led one of the pioneer companies who made the journey from the Eastern seaboard to Salt Lake City, Utah. Later he undertook missionary work in Europe and the Cherokee nation - it was during his journey to Cherokee lands that he contracted malaria which tragically would prove deadly; Spencer succumbed to the illness at the age of fifty-three.

La Sorcière, Jules Michelet's celebrated history of witches and witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, is presented here in English.Originally published by Jules Michelet under the title 'Satanism and Witchcraft', this text seeks to explain the origins and practices of witchcraft, and how the intermittent crises regarding witches would emerge in Europe over the centuries. Demonstrating how witchcraft grew from a mixture of pagan beliefs and strands of Biblical lore, Michelet creates a compelling narration, casting the practices as a response to Christianity which was near-ubiquitous in pre- and post-Renaissance Europe.Although Michelet's reputation as a historian of the French nation and the Revolutionary period renders this one of his lesser-known books, his study remains valuable for its thorough, readable nature. Well-sourced owing to the author's voracity and resources, La Sorcière does not flinch from accounting the unusual traditions and ceremonies of witchery. He also examines and discusses earlier texts, such as the 'Hammer for Witches', in a cogent and compelling manner.In all, we find in this work a comprehensive look at the witchcraft tradition, through the eyes of a historian whose fascination for Europe's social development is clear. Lionel J. Trotter, a well-regarded translator in the 19th century, does the original text the fullest justice.

The Syrian philosopher Iamblichus is famous for his accounts of ancient religious traditions: this book contains Thomas Taylor's translations of his commentaries regarding Egypt, Assyria and Chaldea.Containing many references to the mystical philosophies of the ancients, Iamblichus' writings are considered early accounts of theurgic traditions for their description of magical rituals and ceremonies. His descriptions hold clues to the origins and development of religious thought - particularly pagan ideas regarding burial, the afterlife, and the transition of the soul from matter to spirit.Taylor is keen to replicate the veneration and respect which Iamblichus had for earlier traditions: both author and translator share a devotion to Neoplatonist thought, and it is in the spirit of these philosophical ideas that these insights upon antiquity are presented in English.This edition of Iamblichus's works includes Taylor's numerous annotations. These explain more obscure meanings and references and mention related works that are also of value - in all, they assist readers in investigating the extant texts. Unlike other editions, which through error do not include the full text, care has been taken herein to reproduce the full translation.

Jonathan Edwards was a leading Christian revivalist of the 18th century: in this book, he explains how God repairs and redeems the flaws of humankind by being an extension of the human being's free will.A superb and evocative treatise, Edwards draws on his knowledge of both theology and philosophy to deliver a convincing examination of the human soul. Many poignant questions about the nature of the human being, the definition of sin, and the relationship of liberty with morality. Overarching his discourse is God, whose ever-watching and all-knowing essence permeates the behavior of humankind, placing just constraints upon behavior.Edwards argues that God's divine will is a necessary and inseparable part of what it is to be human, it shapes and guides the very destiny of individuals. The reasoning of man pales in comparison to the essential truths of God's will in relation to morality and will. The convincing demonstrations of the author, supported by references to scripture, served to cement this book's place as a classic of early Christian literature in North America.Today, Jonathan Edwards is renowned as one of the most prominent churchmen of his time, his tireless writing and preaching strengthening the Christianity of the colonies that would become the United States.

Meshach Browning spent decades as a professional hunter and trapper of bears, boars and deer in rural Maryland during the early 1800s - this is his story, in his own words.Born in modest circumstances, Browning grew up at a time when the United States as a nation was in its infancy, with much of the population living in rural areas. From his youth, the author vowed to be self-sufficient, leaving his home and first love to hone his abilities as a hunter. Returning with money gained from selling pelts and meat, it is then that Meshach contemplates hunting as a career.The equipment used by the author is much inferior to that of the modern day. Meshach's use of a musket - a gun whose reliability is demonstrated as poor in several instances - leads him to rely on his skills in close quarters combat. On multiple hunts, described with stunning vividness in these pages, Browning's ability to battle animals in melee saves his life. The dangers of his trade are balanced by its lucrativeness: bear meat and pelt for instance fetched high prices on the open market.Though his life's work is the primary subject, Meshach Browning shows a tender side when describing his first marriage; his loving wife Mary bore him several children. In later chapters, he proudly teaches his sons the craft which sustained their family for so many years.

Father Francis Duffy, U. S. Army chaplain during World War One, recalls his time fighting alongside the famous 69th Infantry Regiment on the western front.Comprised mostly of Irish Catholic volunteers who enlisted in and around New York City, the 'Fighting Sixty-Ninth' already had a long history and a reputation for bravery and grit. Father Duffy is frank and upfront, recalling the conversations and mood of his fellow troops during their training and deployment to Europe. The bloodiness and terror of battles in World War I is related, as are the many injuries and horrors of that war.Despite the grim situation, Father Duffy never loses his spirit. Indeed, the adversity faced by the young men in the 69th gave opportunity for them to show their courage and great capacity for morale. The witty humor and can-do attitude of the Irish is also amply displayed, this liveliness countering the darker aspects of war. Each of the major battles and offensives undertaken by the 69th is told from a first-hand perspective, with participating troops named and credited for their valor.This reprint of Duffy's memoirs includes the twelve photographs and map illustrations appended to the first edition. Depicting the battles, troops and their commanding officers, these pictures constitute a helpful supplement to the text.

This guide to falconry dates to mid-19th century Britain, and explains both the history and practical elements of using birds of prey to hunt wild animals.The practice of raising and training intelligent birds of prey to hunt animals was popular in Europe from the Middle Ages onward. Over the centuries, techniques and practices were refined, with the peculiarities of the various birds used - be they peregrine falcons, goshawks, sparrow-hawks or otherwise - investigated by generations of enthusiasts. This history is detailed and supplemented with the author's own practical experience and advice.Gage Earle Freeman was a clergyman who spent some years assigned to India. As a lifelong enthusiast of falconry, Freeman was impressed to behold the practice in India; a culture where hunting with birds of prey had been a tradition for millennia. As an experienced falconer, Freeman was able to put the skills he'd honed on Buxton Moor in England to use in India -his talents met appreciation, and he received birds as a gift from the local population.The final supplement to this book is entitled 'Fishing with Cormorants', and comprises a short but insightful guide to training the cormorant bird to dive for fish.

Theologian and Biblical scholar Charles Bridges explains the nature of psalm 119, popularly renowned as one of the lengthiest and most spiritually rich of the psalms.In this superb narrative, Bridges undertakes an intensive narration of each verse. He discusses at length the meanings and constructions behind each - on average, the author devotes over 750 words of exposition and discussion to each verse. The length of Bridges' work alone makes it noteworthy; that the style of the author's writing sometimes ranges to a stream of consciousness renders it both interesting and worthy of examination.With his scholarship and gifts for evocation at the ready, Charles Bridges delivers clarity and depth to the ancient verses, allowing Christians to appreciate the value of the famous psalm. He manages to be lively and entertaining, yet supremely respectful of the spiritual advice and faceted meanings in each of the verses, revealing what the Bible teaches about the character of God and our earthly existence.Published in many editions during and following his life, Bridges' exposition of psalm 119 attained great respect. While the author published other expositions, his work upon psalm 119 gained the greatest and most enduring acclaim.

Etidorhpa is an early science fiction novel depicting a man's descent into the bowels of the Earth at the instigation of a mysterious secret society - it is presented here complete with the original illustrations.Llewyllyn Drury is visited by a mysterious old man whose defining physical feature is his large, protruding forehead. The man offers to tell his story, promising that his life and knowledge is worth writing down. Being as the man displays certain enthralling and supernatural powers, Drury assents to the task - Etidorhpa is this story, interspersed with pauses wherein Drury questions his strange houseguest.John Uri Lloyd was a popular author of mystery and science fiction books. His profession however was pharmacology, with his specialism being herbal medicines and ethnobotanicals. The presence of giant mushrooms in one portion of the story, plus the various fantastical elements described, have led some readers to speculate that the author's knowledge of mind-altering substances influenced Etidorhpa's plotting.Some sixty-five illustrations populate the pages of this book. They depict the stages of the journey, plus some of the scientific and metaphysical concepts explored.

Eruptive Fevers is a collection of lectures, which together describe the medical establishment's understanding of diseases characterized by fever during the 1870s.In the 19th century, the absence of modern treatments and preventative measures made outbreaks of feverish disease dangerous, with various epidemics claiming thousands of lives. While the medical profession directed resources to the discovery and experimentation of new treatments, many of the medicines mentioned in this book - mercury and arsenic to name but two - have since been demonstrated as ineffective. In several cases, the doctors of the time have recourse only to herbal remedies, such as belladonna, as a means of alleviating symptoms.Although the information herein is outdated and superseded by later developments in medical science, the text offers fascinating historical insight into how physicians and researchers of the 19th century arrived at their diagnoses and understanding of feverish conditions. Certain promising treatments available at the time, such as inoculation and vaccination, are detailed alongside the famous story concerning the discovery of smallpox inoculation.

This classic anthology of poems by Sam Walter Foss encapsulates his love of nature and of the slow pace of rural living.As a working poet of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Foss would author a poem a day for various newspapers; many were designed to appeal to the ordinary man, and recalled the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of the natural world, with vignettes of rural events and daily happenings. Sometimes patriotic, Foss also celebrated the spirit and character of the United States, with allusions to the nation's religious heritage, growing wealth and political prowess.In the main however, Sam Walter Foss's work read as evocative recollections of a world gone by, of a time when most of America's citizens were well-acquainted with the land and its bounty, and thanked the heavens for favorable harvests. A relative absence of mass manufacture led many to purchase goods locally or craft their own; 'homespun' being clothing weaved in the residence. Taken as an echo of this long ago, Dreams in Homespun is superb reading.

Ophthalmologist Nathaniel L. MacBride discusses the various maladies of the eye - first published in 1897, this book offers insight into the history of ophthalmology and eye medicine.Beginning with an anatomical discussion of the cornea, iris and conjunctiva, the author goes on to discuss the various ailments afflicting the eye, such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis. The second part of the book details the physics of eyesight, and how one can discern disturbances to the eye's function, such as the appearance of cataracts.As this book dates to the late 19th century, the treatments described have long been obsoleted. The application of cocaine solution upon the eye for instance has no place in modern ophthalmology. The surgical techniques of the time were conducted manually and with metallic instruments; such methods are outdated in the modern day.As history however, this book offers an in-depth look at the ophthalmologic discipline in its early years. Advancement in medical science characterized the 19th century: and this book may be considered a summation of the progress of eye medicine through that era. This book contains over thirty illustrations, diagrams and tables, variously depicting the anatomy of the eye, plus methods of treatment and surgery.

The complete letters of John Newton are presented in Cardiphonia: together, they constitute compelling treatises of faith and spiritual wisdom.Newton was born in the early 18th century: a time when slavery was legal and actively practiced in the West. His initial chosen career of sailing led him to enlist with the British Royal Navy, where he was put to work on vessels carrying slaves across the oceans to be sold into lifelong servitude and oppression.At age twenty-two, John Newton experienced a near-fatal storm off the coast of Ireland: his ship barely survived, and this event proved a catalyst for spiritual conversion. In the years following, Newton departed the slave trade and undertook studies of the ancient Biblical lore: eventually, he was granted priesthood in the town of Olney, Buckinghamshire.It was there that Newton served with distinction, taking an active role as a caring spiritual advisor for his parish. His wisdom led to some renown: as the letters in this volume evidence, Newton was regularly consulted by fellow reverends and many members of his parish. In 1788, after many years working in the church, Newton emerged as an abolitionist, lending his eloquence and reputation to the cause of outlawing slavery.

Vice Admiral Albert Gleaves offers his first-hand account of naval troop transports during World War One, showing how crucial these were to America's war effort.Once war was declared against Germany and her allies in 1917, vast amounts of manpower and war materiel had to be shipped from the United States to Europe. The enormous logistical challenge was hindered by the efforts of the German navy, in particular the U-Boat submarines and their notorious torpedoes. Gleaves' accounts are supplemented by those of his own officers and sailors, several of whom were sunk and barely escaped their stricken vessels alive.The sailors of the U.S. Navy Transport Service were both wily and brave; charting a safe course across the Atlantic Ocean and avoiding or diverting confrontation was a difficult business - each ship usually carried hundreds of men bound for the front. Despite setbacks and misfortunes, the Allied naval effort steadily grew in size: by the conclusion of the war in November 1918, around two million soldiers plus enormous quantities of munitions, fuel and weaponry had been successfully ferried across the high seas.

A Star in the West is an investigation by Elias Boudinot into the widely-held belief that the Native Americans were descended from the lost tribes of Israel.In the 18th and early 19th centuries, a hypothesis that the Native American tribes were part of a lineage tracing back to the Israelite tribes during the time of the Biblical testaments was popular. Intellectuals and church leaders alike were divided on the veracity of these claims, and a number of pamphlets and books were published on both sides of the argument for decades. Appearing in 1816, A Star in the West is important both as a historical study of the beliefs of the time and as a record of how Native Americans were perceived by the incipient white settlers of the United States. The book sequentially examines the traits, behaviors, customs and beliefs of the tribal societies, drawing parallels between these and the ancient practices of the Israelites. It is thought that A Star in the West and other books in the same vein led to the establishment of the Mormon Church. The Book of Mormon attests that Native Americans had arrived in North America thousands of years ago during the Great Flood of Biblical lore. Thus, the tribes present in the 19th century were estranged descendants of the Israelite peoples. For his part, Elias Boudinot was a U.S. Congressman who was passionately in favour of rights for Native American and black inhabitants of North America. His prominent position made his views and publications influential, and he was also noted for his devout Presbyterianism. On meeting a young, bright Cherokee native he was impressed by he allowed the man to adopt his name - the Cherokee Elias Boudinot later became a prominent figure in Native American society during the early 19th century.