Paul Johnson

From a bestselling author and acclaimed historian comes a powerful portrayal of the life of Jesus. Johnson's brilliant work offers readers a lively biography of the man who inspired one of the world's great religions.

Washington is the most important figure in the history of the United States. Against all military odds, he liberated the colonies from the superior forces of the British and presided over the process to produce a Constitution. In two terms as president, he set that Constitution to work. Despite his importance, Washington remains today a distant figure to many Americans. Previous books about him are immensely long and complicated. Paul Johnson has...

Socrates is often called the father of philosophy. Yet he left no writings, so what we know of his life and ideas comes from the works of his contemporaries. Socrates taught--and strove to embody--that how each of us chooses to live and die has great meaning. By constantly examining one's life and actions, a philosophy of ethics is born. As Plutarch observed, "He was the first person to demonstrate that life is open to philosophy at all times, in...

The secular intellectual has increasingly filled the vacuum left by the decline of the cleric and assumed the functions of moral mentor and critic of mankind. This fascinating portrait of the minds that have shaped the modern world examines the moral credentials of those whose thoughts have influenced humanity.

When a poor Irish peddler follows the instructions given to him by Saint Patrick in a dream, his life is greatly changed. Includes background on Saint Patrick and on the origin of the story.

Frank's ability to stop things from working when he makes a funny face causes him to be kidnapped by a greedy chicken thief.

When Ivan the Fool meets Baba Yaga, the witch of Russian folklore fame, on a day that has begun badly for her, he outwits her by making dirt soup, getting a fine, fat pig in the bargain.