Subject
Christian saints -- Fiction Books
Best books
Gustave Flaubert
The Temptation of St. Anthony
"The Temptation of St. Anthony" by Gustave Flaubert is a dramatic poem in prose published in 1874. Written in the form of a play script, it recounts one night in the Egyptian desert where Saint Anthony the Great faces a series of profound temptations. Through encounters with figures ranging from the Queen of Sheba to his former student Hilarion, Anthony confronts the Seven Deadly Sins, ancient gods, heretics, and monsters—all challenging his belief that isolation is the truest form of worship.
Francesco Petrarca
Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion Three Dialogues Between Himself and S. Augustine
"Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion" by Francesco Petrarca is a trilogy of dialogues in Latin written between 1342 and 1353. In this deeply personal work, Petrarch examines his faith through imagined conversations with Saint Augustine, who challenges him on his devotion to earthly love and poetic fame. Augustine argues these passions bind Petrarch's will and prevent him from embracing God fully. The work reflects Petrarch's struggle to reconcile his Renaissance humanism with Christian faith.
Gustave Flaubert
The Temptation of St. Antony; Or, A Revelation of the Soul
"The Temptation of St. Antony; Or, A Revelation of the Soul" by Gustave Flaubert is a dramatic poem in prose published in 1874. Written as a play script, it chronicles one night in the Egyptian desert as Saint Anthony the Great faces extraordinary temptations. The Devil, seductive figures, heretics, magicians, gods, and monsters parade before the hermit saint, testing his faith and resolve. Each visitor challenges Anthony's belief that isolation is the truest form of worship, pulling him toward desire, doubt, and despair in an epic battle for his soul.
Elizabeth Miller
Saul of Tarsus: A Tale of the Early Christians
"Saul of Tarsus: A Tale of the Early Christians" by Elizabeth Miller is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the tumultuous life of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle, amidst the backdrop of early Christianity. It explores themes of faith, identity, and the conflicts faced during the formative years of the church. The opening of the novel introduces the character of Saul as a Levite and rabbi amidst a setting in Jerusalem during March of 36 A.D. The chapter details Saul's interactions with other rabbis and a Levite named Joel, who brings troubling news about the growing influence of those following the teachings of Jesus, specifically a follower named Stephen. As Saul grapples with the implications of this burgeoning movement and the charge of blasphemy it brings, he reveals his steadfast commitment to the Law and the gravity of the decisions that lie before him. The narrative sets the stage for a conflict that intertwines faith with personal relationships, illuminating Saul's complex character and the societal tensions of the time.
Anne Manning
The Household of Sir Thomas More
"The Household of Sir Thomas More" by Anne Manning is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It presents an imaginative portrait of the life and family of Sir Thomas More, focusing particularly on his eldest daughter, Margaret. The narrative attempts to capture the domestic life of this prominent historical figure and the dynamics of his family, highlighting the intersections of education, piety, and the intellectual atmosphere of the time. At the start of the book, the tone is set through the eyes of Margaret, who is advised by her tutor, Mr. Gunnel, to keep a journal of important family events. As she begins to write, she recounts her daily life and interactions, particularly the vibrant personalities within her household, including her father and the renowned scholar Erasmus. The opening depicts the warmth and complexity of family life, filled with playful banter, the pursuit of knowledge, and community life, as seen during a visit from Erasmus. The narrative establishes a historical context while emphasizing the themes of education, virtue, and familial love, painting a vivid picture of More's household and its unique culture during a turbulent period in history.
Gustave Flaubert
Œuvres complètes de Gustave Flaubert, tome 5: La tentation de saint Antoine
"Œuvres complètes de Gustave Flaubert, tome 5: La tentation de saint Antoine" by Gustave Flaubert is a prose narrative published in 1874. Alone in the desert, the hermit Saint Antoine confronts a series of troubling visions: temptations of lust and power, his disciple questioning scriptural contradictions, and revelations of the universe's secrets. Through vivid, symbolic tableaux, this work blends the fourth-century Greco-Latin world with modern theories, following one man's odyssey without movement as he faces the demons of memory and desire.
Edwin Abbott Abbott
Onesimus: Memoirs of a Disciple of St. Paul
"Onesimus: Memoirs of a Disciple of St. Paul" by Edwin Abbott Abbott is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is presented as the memoir of Onesimus, a young slave who finds himself entangled in the early Christian community and the teachings of St. Paul. The story explores themes of faith, freedom, and the transformation of one's beliefs against the backdrop of the ancient world, as Onesimus navigates the trials of his life as a slave and a believer. The opening of the narrative introduces Onesimus and his twin brother Chrestus as they are abandoned as infants and taken in by a kindly foster mother in Lystra. Their idyllic childhood is upended by tragedy when their patron dies, leaving them subject to a cruel new master, Nicander. The brothers are separated, and Onesimus is sold into slavery, leading to a profound exploration of identity and spirituality as he encounters the teachings of St. Paul. Throughout the beginning, Onesimus’s reflections on love, trust, and the nature of God set the stage for a deeper investigation of faith as he struggles to find his place in a world filled with uncertainty and despair.
Gustave Flaubert
La tentation de Saint Antoine
"La tentation de Saint Antoine" by Gustave Flaubert is a prose narrative published in 1874. In the Theban desert, the hermit Saint Anthony confronts a succession of demonic visions and temptations—carnal desires, worldly power, and religious doubt. His disciple Hilarion challenges him with contradictory scriptures and diverse gods, while demonic forces reveal the universe's secrets. As Anthony witnesses matter's extraordinary abundance, he momentarily yearns to dissolve into it. This symbolic work uniquely blends fourth-century Greco-Roman evocation with modern theories, creating tableaux of striking visual beauty.
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