Ocean State Libraries

"Explodes with pyrotechnic inventions, literally as well as figuratively. Hold on till the end."—New York Times

"Whether you're into Sherlock Holmes, Montaillou, Borges, the nouvelle critique, the Rule of St. Benedict, metaphysics, library design, or The Thing from the Crypt, you'll love it. Who can that miss out?"—Sunday Times (London)

The beloved internationally bestselling historical

...

Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history's most influential and enigmatic characters by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived: first-century Palestine, an age awash in apocalyptic fervor. Scores of Jewish prophets, preachers, and would-be messiahs wandered through the Holy Land, bearing messages from God. This was the age of zealotry--a fervent nationalism that made resistance...

The work of a master storyteller, Quo Vadis is a panoramic historical novel that has captivated readers for generations. "Sienkiewicz wrote Quo Vadis for the entire world and the world took it to its heart," commented James Michener. Now, a sparkling new translation restores the original glory and splendor missing from earlier English translations of this great tale. Set at a turning point in history (A.D. 54-68), as Christianity replaces the era...

"A Voice in the Wind transports readers back to Jerusalem during the first Jewish-Roman War. Following the prides and passions of a group of Jews, Romans and Barbarians, the story centers on an ill-fated romance between a steadfast slave girl, Hadassah, and Marcus, the brother of her owner. Is it possible for their love to flourish considering not only their different stations in life, but also Hadassah's unrelenting faith and Marcus's lack of belief?"...

"The classic handbook of statecraft written by an Italian nobleman recommends guile and craftiness to attain and maintain political power." --

Written shortly after he became Biship of Hippo, "Confessions" highlights Augustine's childhood in Numidia and his riotous youth and early manhood in Carthage, Rome, and Milan. It also chronicles his continuing struggle with sin and his efforts to find satisfaction in Manichaenism and Neoplatonism. Particularly poignant are his mother's tireless efforts to rescue him from self-destruction and his dramatic conversion to the Christian faith at age 32....

Set in England during the 1300s, the series chronicles the lives of ordinary citizens as the King leads the nation into the Hundred Years' War with France, all while Europe is bracing for the Black Death. Caris, a visionary woman, and her lover Merthin build a community that stands up to the Crown and the church.

Sisters is the first major history of the pivotal role played by nuns in the building of American society. Nuns were the first feminists, argues Fialka. They became the nation's first cadre of independent, professional women. Some nursed, some taught, and many created and managed new charitable organizations, including large hospitals and colleges. In the 1800s nuns moved west with the frontier, often starting the first hospitals and schools in immigrant...