Subject
Bishops -- Fiction Books
Best books
Cleveland Moffett
The Bishop's purse
"The Bishop's Purse" by Cleveland Moffett and Oliver Herford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a chance encounter between a bishop, a charming American girl named Betty, and a mysterious young woman, Hester Storm, who is on the run from her past. Central to the plot is the bishop's lost purse containing a significant sum of money, which becomes the focal point of tension and intrigue that intertwines the lives of these characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the bishop and Betty as they travel on a train in England. The scene quickly shifts when Hester Storm, who initially appears to be merely an innocent fellow passenger, becomes embroiled in a stolen purse incident that raises questions about her true nature. Hester's internal struggle with her past and her impulsive decision to steal the bishop's money creates mounting suspense, especially as she tries to maintain her façade while navigating the repercussions of her actions. This opening establishes a compelling mix of humor, social commentary, and character development, suggesting both a lighthearted adventure and deeper explorations of morality and identity throughout the narrative.
Anatole France
The Miracle of the Great St. Nicolas 1920
"The Miracle of the Great St. Nicolas" by Anatole France is a narrative that combines elements of legend and moral tale, likely penned in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life of St. Nicolas, a revered figure known for his virtuous deeds, particularly the miraculous rescue of three children from a salting tub. The story explores themes of innocence, corruption, and redemption within a religious and folkloric context. In this tale, the narrative unfolds around St. Nicolas, the Bishop of Trinqueballe, who discovers a heinous crime committed by an innkeeper who had lured and murdered three children, preserving their bodies for sinister purposes. Upon learning of the tragedy, St. Nicolas invokes divine intervention, successfully resurrecting the children. The story follows their integration into society under the Bishop’s guidance, illustrating the varying paths of their lives, shaped by their earlier traumas. As they grow, their characters and moral fortitude are tested, leading to ironic and sometimes troubling consequences reflecting on the nature of good and evil, the complexity of human character, and the impact of upbringing and circumstance on personal development. Ultimately, the tale portrays the struggle of St. Nicolas to redeem not just the children but also his own reputation amid rising chaos and disorder in his community.
Winifred Margaretta Kirkland
The Christmas Bishop
"The Christmas Bishop" by Winifred Margaretta Kirkland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a Bishop who reflects on his life and the themes of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of Christmas as he navigates his memories and relationships in the town of Westbury. This poignant tale delves into the Bishop's personal struggles with grief and the weight of his duties as he approaches another Christmas without his loved ones. At the start of the novel, we see the Bishop waking on Christmas morning, filled with tender memories of his past, especially of his late wife and daughter. The opening establishes a dreamlike quality as he recalls his imaginative visions of a lost child seeking acceptance in a sorrowful city, juxtaposed against his own feelings of loneliness. Through his introspective thoughts, we learn about the Bishop's connection to Westbury, the town’s unchanged beauty, and his deep yearning for connection and reconciliation with those in his community. The narrative introduces Mrs. Graham, the Bishop's housekeeper, who is struggling with her own emotional turmoil regarding her estranged family, setting the stage for themes of forgiveness and healing during the holiday season.
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