American Background Books (Lives of Catholic Heroes and Heroines in American History)
Published by P.J. Kennedy & Sons
36 Total Books
American Background Books is a splendid series for readers ten to fourteen dealing with the lives of Catholic men and women who have played an important role in the history of our Continent. Although most of them concern those whose contributions were made to the discovery, exploration and development of the United States, the series also introduces to boys and girls the heroes and heroines of Canada and other countries of North America. Great explorers, colonizers, war heroes, pioneer women and missionaries are among those whose lives and adventures light up the pages of these books.
American Background Books fill a noticeable gap in the shelves of books devoted to American biography. They tell the stories of great men and women of the Catholic Faith, many of whom have been neglected by biographers in general. Without overstressing the religious element of these lives, the Catholic contribution to American history is shown in its true proportions, and faith is revealed as a living element in the principles, undertakings and achievements of each individual.
American Background Books have been written by fine writers eminently qualified to deal with each period and subject. Without departing from the fact, they handle the material in a way that stresses human interest and adventure. These books will foster pride in the American and Catholic heritage and make more vivid some of the most dramatic and exciting episodes in American history.
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But I’m not Catholic! (or Jewish, or Mormon, or…)
Guest post by Johanna Bittle | October 01, 2018
One of the best ways to discover these pilgrim stories is through books that feature their faith prominently, acknowledging it as a real and driving “why” behind both their devotion to our country and their many contributions to exploration, discovery, medicine, education, innovation, settlement, and statesmanship. I can open my children’s eyes to the lives of many of the Catholics who are an integral part of the fabric of our country, men and women whose names and contributions are either missing from the Landmark and Signature series, or whose stories are told there, but in an incomplete way, without the illuminating context of their faith.
