New Releases by Louis de Wohl

In this historical novel first published in 1957, beloved author Louis de Wohl draws readers into the life and times of St. Paul, painting an unforgettable portrait of both the man himself and the first-century world to which he preached the gospel. Through Paul’s eyes and those of his friends, we follow the great apostle from his role in persecuting Christians, through his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, to his eventual journey to Rome, the center of imperial power. Along the way, we encounter the sights, sounds, and characters of ancient Rome and Judea; witness the quiet spread of the new Christian faith; and are taken behind the scenes into the halls of power, where we meet Herod, Agrippa, Nero, and others. The result is a vivid picture of a world not so different from our own, a world caught up in materialism, power politics, and paganism, yet yearning for the light of Christ. Readers will come away from this book with a new understanding of New Testament times—and a new appreciation for the singular personality that was Paul of Tarsus. A page-turner and an inspiration to today’s Christians, it is sure to capture the attention of readers both young and old.

Tredicesimo secolo. Mentre si prepara la sesta crociata, due uomini attraversano la storia e l’Europa: Piers, coraggioso cavaliere idealista al seguito dell’imperatore Federico II, e il giovane Tomaso che, abbandonando la ricca e influente famiglia, fa voto di povertà ed entra nell’ordine domenicano per intraprendere uno dei più straordinari cammini di fede della cristianità. In una narrazione vivace e appassionante, de Wohl illumina i lati più intensi della figura di san Tommaso d’Aquino e pone la vita del grande frate domenicano al centro di un suggestivo affresco storico che, intrecciando le vicende dei personaggi con i principali eventi dell’epoca, ripercorre gli anni dei violenti attriti tra impero e papato ed entra nel fuoco del problema da cui è nata la civiltà europea: il rapporto tra fede e ragione.

Gli ultimi giorni di Cristo, in un crescendo di tensione e intrigo che portò poi alla sua Crocifissione. Una vicenda drammatica, che cambiò il corso della Storia e che coinvolse, segnandoli per sempre, uomini e donne di ogni origine ed estrazione. Fra questi de Wohl concentra il proprio sguardo sul soldato romano Cassio Longino, il centurione che con la propria lancia trafisse il costato di Cristo. Accanto a lui, affascinante figura della tradizione cristiana, una ricca galleria di personaggi: uomini autorevoli e potenti, come Pilato o il sacerdote Caifa, ma anche individui rimasti nell''ombra, come le donne, testimoni non viste di un evento potentissimo. Una storia così intima eppure così universale, raccontata dal punto di vista di chi ha toccato con mano un grande mistero. Un romanzo storico d''ampio respiro, appassionante e pieno di eventi, tra le opere più significative di de Wohl.

Da Oriente avanza la minaccia di Attila, un pericolo che l''Occidente presume di conoscere, ma il cui radicalismo è invece culturalmente inconcepibile per una cristianità governata da un potere fine a se stesso, preoccupato solo di mantenere i propri equilibri. A contrastare l''avanzata di quest''uomo grande e terribile, solo due figure si ergono: Ezio, l''ultimo vero romano, e papa Leone. Al centro della storia, proprio l''incontro tra Leone e Attila, attorno ai quali ruotano gli altri personaggi: dal kan Bleda, fratello di Attila, a Galla Placidia, vera imperatrice in nome del figlio Valentiniano, alla giovane Onoria. E, sullo sfondo di vicende umane distanti eppure collegate, il panorama triste e decadente di un impero in disfacimento, ridotto alle proprie fastose apparenze esteriori.

Una vita tumultuosa quella di Sant'Agostino: nato ricco e immerso in una cultura pagana, il suo percorso tormentato lo condusse fino a diventare uno dei massimi teorici del Cristianesimo del primo millennio, nonché uno dei più grandi pensatori nella storia dell'umanità. Questo è il romanzo di una conversione, in cui un giovane vanesio, con un insaziabile desiderio di scoprire il senso della vita e un'attrazione altrettanto insaziabile per il peccato, non solo diventò credente, ma si trasformò in un intellettuale geniale che ha lasciato un'impronta indelebile nella storia. Raccontando le curiosità private della sua vita e i personaggi che lo influenzarono, dalla figura eroica della madre, santa Monica, al grande Ambrogio vescovo di Milano, Louis de Wohl tratteggia il ritratto vigoroso di un personaggio immortale, mai così vicino a ognuno di noi.

This panoramic novel of the last days of Christ ranges from the palaces of imperial Rome to the strife-torn hills of Judea—where the conflict of love and betrayal, revenge and redemption, reaches a mighty climax in the drama of the Crucifixion. For this is the full story of the world''s most dramatic execution, as it affected one of its least-known participants—the man who hurled his spear into Christ on the Cross. Among his many successful historical novels, Louis de Wohl considered The Spear the magnum opus of his literary career. "Exceptionally powerful...an excellent piece of work!"—Chicago Sun-Times "A brilliant and panoramic picture of the events and personalities surrounding the Crucifixion."—Catholic Messenger "This novel tells from a new and fascinating angle the age-old story of the men and women who were sublimely affected by knowing the Messiah, Jesus Christ...It is a magnificent novel."—Boston Herald "Told with the clarity and vitality one has come to expect from Louis de Wohl, and holds the reader''s interest all the way through...Richly drawn, against a background of mighty drama."—Cincinnati Enquirer

The streets of Rome are crowded as Theoderich, the "barbarian" Gothic king, makes his triumphal entry into the conquered city. Suddenly a boy rushes into the street and attempts to stab the king with his stylus. Kicked aside by the king''s guard, he is rescued and carried to safety by a young man. The boy is Peter, adopted son of the noble Roman philosopher, Boethius. His rescuer is Benedictus, a student, who becomes Peter''s tutor, and tries to curb the boy''s reckless determination to succeed at all costs. So begins this vivid story which follows Benedictus through a disillusioning experience with a beautiful woman of Rome, his years as a hermit and his work in establishing religious communities that were truly citadels of God in the decadence of sixth-century Rome. Peter, meanwhile, has dedicated himself to overthrowing the Goths—partly to further his own ambition and partly to win the beautiful Rusticiana, who has promised to marry him if he succeeds. Sweeping from Rome to Ravenna, Byzantium and Monte Cassino, the story reaches its climax in a dramatic fulfillment of Benedictus''s long-ago promise to Peter: "We shall meet again when you need me." Here, as in all his novels about great saints of the Church, Louis de Wohl weaves an intricate colorful tapestry of violence, love and piety to tell with historical accuracy the story of St. Benedict and the tempestuous era in which he lived.

A surging, panoramic novel about the brash young officer who became...FRANCIS OF ASSISI Set against the tempestuous background of 13th Century Italy and Egypt, here is the magnificent and inspiring story of Francis Bernardone...the brash, pleasure-loving young officer who was to become immortalized as St. Francis of Assisi. ACTION...PAGEANTRY...INTRIGUE... In this magnificent and stirring novel, Louis de Wohl turns his famed narrative skill to the story to the soldier and merchant''s son who might have been right-hand man to a king...and who became instead the most beloved of all saints. "COLORFUL"—Ft. Worth Star-Telegram "HIGH ADVENTURE"—Atlanta Journal and Constitution "Joins Mr. de Wohl''s other historical novels in the charmed ''winner circle.''"—Catholic Weekly

Set against the colorful background of power struggles in imperial Rome and battling Roman legions, this is the exciting story of St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, who found the Cross of Christ in Jerusalem. This book for young people paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable woman who overcame every obstacle with faith, hope, perseverance... and a healthy dose of ambition. In this 29th book in the acclaimed Vision Books series for youth, Louis de Wohl, known for his masterful storytelling, describes the amazing events that led to the conversion of Helena and the rise to power of her son. He also recounts the vision Constantine experienced on the eve of a pivotal battle and his subsequent legalization of Christianity in the fourth century. The story dramatically concludes with St. Helena''s final accomplishment-her dangerous and miraculous expedition to the Holy Land.

"Appena tredicenne, Giovanna inizia a sentire una voce, che le chiede di farsi carico del destino di Francia. Si ribella alla volontà del padre, che la vuole vedere sposa, per seguire un'altra strada, l'unica che sente sua: incontrare il "gentile delfino" e salvare il regno dall'assedio degli inglesi. Un'adolescente del Quattrocento francese, che non ha mai cavalcato in vita sua, riesce a conquistare capitani, prelati, nobili, uomini di cultura, re, con le sue irremovibili convinzioni, il suo carisma ispirato, la sua incredibile visione tattica in battaglia, la sua fede oltre ogni ragione: questa è la storia di una delle figure più enigmatiche e affascinanti della Storia. L'avventura vera della giovane contadina divenuta soldato e consacrata al mito, raccontata come un romanzo da un grande narratore di "vite eccellenti", per ritrovare, oggi più che mai, tutta l'incredibile modernità della Pulzella che diede la vita in nome della sua fede."--Cover.

"From a youth spent as a devout and strict scholar-Jew and fierce persecutor of Christians, to his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus, to his tireless missionary work and martyrdom in Rome, Paul of Tarsus is one of the key figures of Christianity. With a charming and combative character, St. Paul emerges from this novel in all his complexity: through the history of that his time, de Wohl retraces the decisive stages of the path that led Paul to become one of the most inspired apostles of the Christian message, and gives us humanity and the greatness of a man who, driven by love for Christ and neighbor, he was able to give to a world in decline, a flame alive and overwhelming with a new faith."-- cataloger''s summary of the cover.

Saint Francis Xavier''s life is, in itself, a dramatic story. With humility and deep religious conviction, the famous Catholic novelist Louis de Wohl takes us into the mind and heart of this great missionary and saint who went by order of St. Ignatius of Loyola to "set all afire" in the Orient. Louis de Wohl captivates the reader as he follows Xavier''s life from student days in Paris, through his meeting with Ignatius, his rather reluctant conversion, and his travels as one of the first Jesuits. The story takes the reader from Europe to Goa, India, Malaysia, Japan, and finally, to an island off the coast of China, where the exiled Xavier dies virtually alone. The book captures the dramatic struggles and inspiring zeal of this remarkable saint, giving at the same time an enthralling picture of the age in which he lived.

As in his other popular novels, Louis de Wohl, with humility and deep religious conviction, takes us into the mind and heart of a saint, giving at the same time an enthralling picture of the era in which he lived. Here is a skillful weaving of the story of St. Ignatius Loyola''s conversion and pilgrimage with the colorful and dangerous history of Spain and Italy in the early sixteenth century. The life of the very human, very great Basque nobleman who founded the Jesuit Order, makes for one of de Wohl''s finest novels. Seriously wounded at the siege of Pamplona in 1521, Don Inigo de Loyola learned that to be a Knight of God was an infinitely greater honor (and infinitely more dangerous) than to be a Knight in the forces of the Emperor. Uli von der Flue, humorous, intelligent and courageous Swiss mercenary, was responsible for the canon shot which incapacitated the worldly and ambitious young nobleman, and Uli became deeply involved in Loyola''s life. With Juanita, disguised as the boy Juan, Uli followed Loyola on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to protect him, but it was the saint who protected Uli and Juan. Through Uli''s eyes we see the surge and violence of the turbulent period in Jerusalem, Spain and Rome. Louis de Wohl has again created an exciting and spiritually inspiring novel for all readers of historical fiction. all... God''s own love for us.

Illustrated This volume in the Vision Books series of saints for youth combines a world famous Catholic novelist, Louis de Wohl, with one of the most thrilling and dramatic saint''s lives in history, St. Joan of Arc. De Wohl uses his famed narrative skill to tell young people about the brave teenage French girl who had visions and led armies in battle, but also about how her entire life testifies to the amazing power of God''s grace. It''s all here: how Joan, a humble maiden in an insignificant town, was told by St. Michael the Archangel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret to lead the French in battle against the English; how she finally succeeded in convincing the French of the truth of her mission; how she met with fantastic success but was betrayed, captured, and imprisoned; and finally, how she suffered through a politically motivated trial for heresy and was burned at the stake. Best of all, de Wohl is not interested solely in the external details of Joan''s life, but in Joan''s all-encompassing love for God, which informed all her courageous actions from beginning to end. You''ll not only thrill to Joan''s heroism; your heart will delight in her example of loving surrender to God''s will. Every detail of her life will ring out to you as a joyful witness to the grace of God. This book is now part of Renaissance Learning’s Accelerated Reader program. Quizzes are currently available.

Don Juan of Austria, one of history’s most triumphant and inspiring heroes, is reborn in this opulent novel by Louis de Wohl. Because of the circumstances of his birth, this last son of Emperor Charles the Fifth spent his childhood in a Spanish peasant’s hut. Acknowledged by King Philip as his half-brother, the attractive youth quickly became a central figure in a Court where intrigues and romances abounded. Don Juan’s intelligence, kindness and devout attachment to the Church enabled him to live in an environment of unscathed luxury, violence and treachery. De Wohl paints in brilliant color scenes at the Court of King Philip, Juan’s campaign against barbaric Moriscos in Andalusia and the climatic victory at Lepanto where he saved the Christian world from Islamic dominance. The Last Crusader abounds in vivid scenes and characters. Who can forget the sadisitic nature of the Prince of Asturias, the spirituality of Fray Juan de Calahorra, the scheming of beautiful Princess Ana of Eboli, the barbaric siege of Malta, or Emperor Charles the Fifth waiting for death, in his stygian throne room? Here is a novel of high adventure which brings to life the turbulence of the sixteenth century with its extremities of the wickedness and piety, its sins of pride and conquest, its seething heresies. With his strong talent for exciting historical narrative, Louis de Wohl adds another great dynamic novel to his already lustrous career.

The renowned novelist De Wohl, with his usual crisp language and descriptive narrative, as well as irony and humor, presents the colorful and tumultuous times of the early Christian era in this story of intrigue, romance and power politics revolving around Helena, the devoted and saintly mother of Constantine, the first Christian emperor. This historical novel tells the story of the quest for the True Cross through fifty years of the most exciting events in Roman and Christian history. The narrative begins when the Tribune Constantius, a Roman officer stationed in Britain, meets and wins Helena, only daughter of the mystical and oracular King Coel of Britain. Through the course of their early lives together, and during their ten-year separation when Constantius returns to Britian as a conquering Caesar and Helena has become a rejected wife, devoted mother, and militant Christian, there is a sure and convincing portrayal of character growth and personal conflict. Helena''s fierce determination to raise Constantine as a warrior son and her gradual discovery and dramatic acceptance of Christianity prepare her for the final miracle of her life discovery of the True Cross, the Living Wood on Calvary. The Living Wood is a chapter from the turbulent half-forgotten pages of early Christian history and legend in which the religious conflicts and problems are handled with moving simplicity. It is also an action-packed novel of those times--with a lesson for us today--that captures with equal skill and tumult and the shouting of the battlefield and the devious plots and counter-plots of the court.

Magistral historia de la Iglesia,con la amenidad habitual de Louis de Wohl, imprescindible tanto para el estudioso como para el lector que desee una visión básica de lo que hoy es Europa y todo occidente.

Here is a novel that glistens with the imaginative and vivid drama that epitomized St. Augustine''s tumultous life, presented with a master story-teller''s characteristic flair for graphic description, sensitive portraiture, and fascinating historical lore.