The Life of Our Lord Written by Charles Dickens

The Life of Our Lord

Charles Dickens

illustrated by Rachel Taft-Dixon 1934 

At antique shops and old bookstores I often come across this book about the life of Jesus that was written by Charles Dickens.  When I finally bought up a copy because of the included illustrations by Rachel Taft-Dixon,  I had no idea the history surrounding the work.  Charles Dickens wrote it as an easy biblical narrative for his children.  He kept it so private, just for his family, that there were instructions for it never to be published "while any child of Dickens lived."  This "secret" family story was written in 1846-1849 but wasn't published until 1933 when Dickens' final son died and expressed to his family his will that they should publish it if they wished.

Avoiding any thorny theological issues or even the divinity of Christ, Dickens wrote a benign account of Jesus as a good man who taught men to "love one another, and not to quarrel and hurt one another."

Here I Am, Lord

 Based on the French versions of G. Vauthiers "Le Psautier des jeunes chretien" (which in turn was inspired by Pope Pius XII's Psalter), the Boland's illustrations make this book a lovely piece of art.  The Psalms are accompanied by soft round-faced pictures in medieval style.  I don't think I have any other Boland books, but I love their artwork so I will definitely be on the lookout for more!

Here I Am, Lord

G. Vauthier

illustrations by Josette and Suzanne Boland 1960

The Biggest Popcorn Party Ever in Center County

The Biggest Popcorn Party Ever in Center County

Jane Hoober Peifer

photographs by Marilyn Peifer Nolt 1987

 This might very well be one of the funniest (oddest) books that we own!  Created with photographs of the most ridiculous looking dolls, the story is pretty benign but the pictures are hilarious!  The author is a Mennonite and native of Lancaster, PA., and the story definitely feels reflective of her background.  I might also have a warm spot for this book because of my 1980's church upbringing too!

Martha and Henry work hard on their popcorn farm.  Inspired by the pastor's Sunday morning sermon and a freak fire that has popped their corn, they invite all their friends to share in eating their crop.  It's not the story that makes me love this book, but rather the dolls (I suspect made from nylons) and their various poses.    

(I copied this picture and put it in Charlotte's lunch as a silly surprise!)

Pilgrim's Progress

 Two illustrated versions of that wonderful classic by John Bunyan.

Dangerous Journey

Oliver Hunkin 1985

The Dangerous Journey has captivating full page illustrations that lead us through the story.  Retold but still including Bunyan's original words, it's easily understood.

Little Pilgrim's Progress

Helen L. Taylor

pictures by Joe Sutphin 2021

I just bought this version written by Helen L. Taylor that retells the story with animals.  The pictures are wonderful (and remind me a little bit of our version of The Wind and the Willows though it has a different artist).  I started reading this at breakfast this morning to Charlotte and she was immediately captivated.  As she left for the bus she said "Can we read more of that book when I get home?"  And that is exactly why this story, even retold by different writers and illustrators is still such a classic.   

Children Around the World

These books are a bit outdated, but still enjoyable to look at and read.  Children Around the World was originally published in 1958.  That's makes it particularly interesting to read as a history book!

You Can Change the World was written as a way for children to learn about other cultures and to pray for people in those places and support the missionaries there.  In the back there is a glossary of words, and short descriptions of various religions contrasted with Christianity.  Published in 1992, obviously some of the information and status of the countries have changed.