Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Salem Ridge Press~Faithful, But Not Famous {Schoolhouse Review Crew}

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8.

A couple Christmases ago, I purchased a book each for Botanist Boy and Little Bit from Salem Ridge Press. They are beautiful hardbound books!

When we were offered the opportunity to review another book from them, I was very pleased. We chose Faithful, But Not Famous, and received a softbound copy. It, too, is a well-bound book.

Salem Ridge Press was established by a homeschool student, Daniel Mills, in 2005. They are dedicated to republishing wholesome "living books" from the 1800s and early 1900s. While not every title that Salem Ridge Press publishes is explicitly Christian, all of our titles have strong moral values and encourage positive character. (from the website)


Faithful, But Not Famous was originally published in 1872. The story is set in France, 1510-1522 A.D., during the French Reformation. Even though it is fiction, it touches on real events and real people: Dr. Lefevre, and Guillaume Farel.

This story centers around the fictitious character, Claude Leclerc, who comes to Paris to become a monk. As a poor scholar, he sings in the streets with a friend to earn money. While doing this, he learns the words of a song which speaks of "David's Royal Fountain" which will "purge every sin away." A desire grows within him to find that fountain.

His friend/acquaintance (since they came from the same region), Guillaume Farel, invites him to hear Dr. Lefevre speak, at which time Claude takes the opportunity to ask Dr. Lefevre where he might find this Royal Fountain of David's. This causes Dr. Lefevre to begin studying the Scriptures in earnest, to try finding the answer.

After a few years in training, Claude is sent out on a preaching tour, where he is actually preaching the Gospel! 

Our book arrived while we were gone for our Spring Break trip to Florida. I had hoped it would arrive before hand, so we could work on reading it while traveling in the car. Since that set us back a bit on our time for reading, we haven't quite completed the book.

The boys and I are very much enjoying reading it (except I don't know French very well, and have a challenging time reading the French names, etc.). Every time I come to the end of a chapter, they groan, and wish I'd keep reading!

One thing I really like is often at the bottom of the pages are definitions for some of the words, which are words we rarely use in this day and age. Also, the references for the Bible texts quoted in the main text are noted.

Faithful, But Not Famous, is part of the Emma Leslie Church History Series. Emma Leslie was a Victorian children's author. Many of her books were originally published the Religious Tract Society. This book is best suited for ages 12-Adult, and is probably a bit "over Little Bit's head," but he seems to be enjoying it as much as the Botanist Boy.

I wish to alert you: Since the setting of Faithful, But Not Famous, takes place during the French Revolution, my Catholic friends may not wish to read it (they might find it offensive). As a Seventh-day Adventist, Protestant, Christian, I find it very interesting. We do study the Reformation in our home school.

We definitely plan to purchase more books from Salem Ridge Press, such as the one about the Huguenots, as well as the one about William Tyndale.

Cost: Hardbound copy costs $22.95; softcover copy costs $12.95. I really, really like their hardbound copies, but the softcover copies are very well bound as well. I believe this softcover copy will stand up to use for years to come.

Contact Information:
Website
Email
Address:
Salem Ridge Press LLC
4263 Salem Drive
Emmaus, PA 18049
Facebook

The Crew had a fairly lengthy list from which to choose, so you will want to be sure to read what the rest of the Crew has to say about these fabulous books.

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1 comment:

  1. Looks like an exciting read! I struggle with French names, too.

    ReplyDelete

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