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Classical Christian
Homeschooling:
Classical Education
at Home
WebMaster:
Christine
Miller
CCH’s Online Catalog: 4th Grade History: Renaissance & Reformed World
This page last revised:
May 2002
Copyright © 1997-2002
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The Renaissance
The renaissance, or rebirth, of interest in classical antiquity: their literature,
languages, and philosophies, brought about, indirectly, by the Crusades and Marco
Polo’s travels, and directly by the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, began in Italy
and spread to the rest of Europe.
The Reformation
Dissatisfaction with the immoralites of the Church had been building for centuries: almost
all Medieval literature contains the archtype of the corrupt church official. But with the
Fall of Constantinople in 1453, Europe was reintroduced to the Greek New Testament, and
the time was right for the Reformation. Like the persecution of the early church during
the Roman Empire, the more “heretics” burned, the more the witness went out to
the pure truth of Scripture.
The Age of Exploration
The Fall of Constantinople to the Turks was a catalyst whose ripples had far-reaching
effects. The land route to the spices and silks of the East was now cut off, and prompted
a race for a sea route to India and China. Coupled with the invention of the sawmill the
century prior which made ship-building cheaper and faster, the Age of Exploration was
born.
The Renaissance &
Reformed World for Older Students
If you are beginning classical education or homeschooling with older grammar stage
students, or need resources to fill in the facts of history with dialectic and rhetoric
stage students, these will do that at a higher reading level.
Renaissance & Reformed World
Teacher’s Resources
In the Renaissance, Reformation, and Exploration, we have encapsulated the greatest
triumphs and tragedies of Western Civilization: triumphs because the Reformation and the
discovery of the New World led to the establishment of the purest and freeest form of
government known to man so far: the American experiment. And tragedies because in throwing
off the yoke of a corrupt and bloated church system, mankind rejected Christianity in toto
and returned to the age-old pagan and humanistic philosophies that have plagued the modern
world. These essential resources will help the homeschool parent grasp the big picture.
 Famous Men of
the Renaissance and Reformation
Robert Shearer
“The recovery of learning and the stunning developments in painting
and sculpture that characterize the Renaissance make it a truly fascinating era. ... At
the same time the artists were creating their masterpieces, Renaissance scholars were
re-discovering the heritage of the Greek and Roman world. The rapid advances in the
understanding of ancient languages ... laid the foundation for the translation of the
Scriptures by the scholars of the Reformation. ... The stirring events of the Reformation
are in an entirely different category of history from the Renaissance. In an incredibly
short period we meet figures of amazing courage, faith, ability, and talent. ... Famous
Men of the Renaissance and Reformation covers the period in western European history from
1300-1550 and includes chapters on Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Durer, Erasmus, Wyclif, Hus,
Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Tyndale, Knox & others. Includes over 75 b&w images of
the men, women and works of art. 29 chapters, 192 pages.” -Rob Shearer.
 Leonardo and His
Times
Andrew Langley
The previous edition of Eyewitness: Renaissance by Andrew Langley
is out of print. In its place are two new Eyewitness books. The first, Leonardo and His
Times, is also by Andrew Langley, and is an updated version of the now out of print Eyewitness:
Reniassance. About that book: “Travel back in time to the period of extraordinary
growth and vitality that was Renaissance Europe. Meet Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and the
Medicis. Experience the daily life and workings of a Renaissance town. View some of the
most beautiful and important art works in the world. In glorious full-color photographic
spreads, Renaissance documents Europe’s emergence from the Middle Ages into an
era of unparalleled enlightenment and creativity in the realms of politics, arts,
literature, technology, and innovation.” The second new book is titled Eyewitness:
Reniassance by Alison Cole. It concentrates chiefly on the art of the Renaissance, and
all the different Renaissance artists and sculptors.
 Leonardo da
Vinci
Richard McLanathan
With the Abrams First Impressions biographies, a leading publisher of
artist biographies for college study has introduced a wonderful biography series for
children. First Impressions relates the whole detailed story of the artist’s life,
illustrated with photographs and drawings of the man, his surroundings, and his works.
“Here, the life of one of the greatest, most versatile figures in the history of art
is told in a fresh, anecdotal style. Beginning with Leonardo’s boyhood, we are guided
through ducal palaces, the papal court, and from his teacher’s workshop to the
world’s leading museums. 56 illustrations, including 32 in full color.” Other
excellent Renaissance-era biographies in this series include Hieronymus Bosch,
Michelangelo,
Rembrandt,
and Peter
Paul Rubens, all recommended.
 I, Juan de
Pareja
Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
Winner of the Newberry Medal in 1965, this engaging tale is part biography
and part historical fiction. Juan de Pareja was an African slave willed to the great
Spanish court painter, Velasquez. The story is told through Juan de Pareja’s eyes.
Juan learned how to paint and was talented, in spite of the law forbidding slaves to
practice any kind of art. The relationship between Juan and Velasquez also undergoes a
transformation as the story progresses: from that of master-slave to that of friendship
based on equality. Through Juan’s eyes we get glimpses of the Spanish royal court,
Italy during the Renaissance, and the masters Rubens and Murillo.
 Queen Elizabeth
I
Robert Green
Queen Elizabeth, the monarch under which William Shakespeare wrote his
plays, and Sir Francis Drake made his daring expeditions against the Spanish, is an
important person in both Renaissance and Reformation history. She encouraged the arts and
literature in England, giving room for the northern renaissance to flourish there, and
also championed the Protestantism established in England by her father, Henry VIII, which
was suspended for a time by her half-sister Mary. Her reign was a pivotal one in the
history of England. This book in the First Book: Monarchs series “does a fine job of
introducing Queen Elizabeth I and fitting her into the context of her world, an age that
eventually bore her name. Green’s lively text begins with the reign of
Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, and that of her immediate predecessor, Mary Tudor.
The book’s focus is on the clash between Catholicism and Protestantism ... as well as
the sea battles that brought England riches and fame. The book is very handsomely
illustrated with portraits of the text’s principals; many of the paintings hang in
England’s National Gallery.” -ALA.
Out of Print. Search AddAll.com
or BookFinder.com via an author search using
‘robert green’ and a title search using ‘queen elizabeth;’ see locating out of print books. As long as we are searching for out of print
books on Queen Elizabeth, also search for the Random House Landmark book, via an author
search using ‘winwar’ and a title search using ‘queen elizabeth and the
spanish armada.’ Another option is Diane Stanley’s Good Queen Bess,
although it is little juvenile for 4th graders.
 Shakespeare: His
Work and His World
Michael Rosen, Robert Ingpen
“Demonstrating ways in which the Bard’s plays reflect his
‘extraordinary and dangerous times’ (and every other time as well), Rosen
outdoes even Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema’s Bard of Avon
in giving fair answer to the perennial student whine, ‘Why Shakespeare?’ After
opening with a briskly dramatic account of the famous overnight removal of an entire
London playhouse, Rosen looks at medieval theater, then leads a high-energy tour through
Elizabethan culture and daily life, describes the new style of theater and
Shakespeare’s place in it, examines four plays briefly and one (Romeo and Juliet)
closely, and closes with a tribute to Shakespeare’s language. With an unerring eye
for the exciting angle of view, the peak moment of intensity, the telling facial or other
detail, Ingpen illustrates all of this in rich, golden tones, with an array of panoramic
views, schematics, and powerfully expressive figures, both on the stage and off. Even
readers whose previous experience with Shakespeare has been rounded with sleep will be
persuaded by this robust introduction to give it another try. A time line and a reasonably
child-friendly bibliography are appended.” -Booklist.
Renaissance Literature:
Tales From Shakespeare by Charles
and Mary Lamb, from 4th Grade Literature
selections
Famous Men of the Renaissance &
Reformation
 Louise
Vernon’s Reformation Era Biographies
Louise Vernon
Louise Vernon has written a number of biographies of men and movements for
children that read like a novel. Thunderstorm in Church tells of the life of Martin
Luther (German, 1483-1546), including his inspiring stand for the truth at the Diet of
Worms. Other books include The
Beggar’s Bible (Wyclif, English, 1328-1384, who was the first to promote the
authority of Scripture above church practice, and began a translation of the Latin Vulgate
into English vernacular), Ink on His
Fingers (Gutenberg, German, 1397-1468, who invented the printing press, ironically, to
give the Catholic church a better forum to counteract the growing reformist movement), The Man Who Laid
the Egg (Erasmus, Dutch, 1469-1536, who wrote a treatise highlighting the immoralities
and follies of the church), Bible Smuggler
(Tyndale, English, 1494-1536, denounced as a heretic for translating, printing and
distributing the Bible in English, and martyred for his faith), Night Preacher
(Simons, Dutch, 1496-1561, established the Anabaptist and Mennonite churches), and Secret Church
(Anabaptists, who reject infant baptism and believe regeneration is the true test of a
Christian).
Out of Print. Some of Vernon’s biographies may be going in and out of print
as they change publishers from Herald Press to Greenleaf Press. Search AddAll.com or BookFinder.com via an author search using
‘louise vernon’ and a title search using the book’s title; see locating out of print books. Search Greenleaf Press also for newly reprinted Vernon
biographies.
 Joyce
McPherson’s Reformation Era Biographies
Joyce McPherson
In A Piece of the Mountain, homeschooling mom Joyce McPherson tells
the neglected story of Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and scientist, one of the
most important of the fifteenth century. Not only a brilliant scientist, Pascal was
converted to Christianity while an adult, and became a noted apologist for the Christian
faith. His Pensees (Thoughts) is one of the great books of Western Civilization. The Ocean of
Truth details the life of Sir Isaac Newton. This biography goes beyond his
contributions to science and mathematics (optics, light, color, the three laws of motion,
the mathematical formula for the law of gravity, and Calculus) and delves also into his
deep and abiding Christian faith. The River of
Grace, the newest McPherson biography, tells the story of the life of John Calvin.
McPherson “focuses especially on Calvin’s childhood and youth, tracing his days
at the university and the circumstances of his conversion ... [through] his early and
precocious leadership of the Protestants in France and his flight from France to
Geneva.” -Publisher.
Out of Print. Search AddAll.com
or BookFinder.com via an author search using
‘joyce mcpherson’ and a title search using the book’s title; see locating out of print books. Search Greenleaf Press also for newly reprinted
McPherson biographies.
 G. A.
Henty’s Reformation Era Historical Fiction
G. A. Henty
By Pike and Dyke,
A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic (1579) paperback
edition
By
England’s Aid, Or the Freeing of the Netherlands (1588) paperback
edition
St.
Bartholomew’s Eve, A Tale of the Huguenot Wars (1580) paperback
edition
Under
Drake’s Flag, A Tale of the Spanish Main (1580) paperback
edition
The Lion of
the North, A Tale of the Times of Gustavus Adolphus (1630) paperback
edition
Won by the
Sword, A Story of the Thirty Years’ War (1640) paperback
edition
Reformation
Literature:
Dangerous Journey: The Story of
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and Oliver Hunkin, from 4th Grade Literature selections
 Great Adventures
that Changed Our World
Peter Lacey
Subtitled: The World’s Great Explorers, Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
For later grammar stage children to read independently (4th and up), but interesting to
all ages read aloud. The history of exploration, beginning with the Phoenicians through
the manned-space missions, replete with maps, photographs, and the fascinating stories
behind the facts. This book goes into much greater detail than the Usborne book (and is
interesting to read besides), and covers the explorations of the Phoenicians, Vikings,
Marco Polo, Henry the Navigator, Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, the Conquistadors, the
search for the Northwest Passage, charting the Pacific, the treks of discovery of Canada,
the United States, Australia, Africa, the North and South Pole, and the exploration of the
ocean depths and outer space. Excellent--well worth searching for.
Out of Print. Search AddAll.com
or BookFinder.com via an author search using
‘peter lacey’ and a title search using ‘great adventures;’ see locating out of print books.
 Historical Atlas
of Exploration: 1492-1600
Angus Konstam
An excellent reference which includes timelines, maps and charts,
biographies, details of the ships used and accounts of the voyages, illustrated with
paintings and items from the Mariner’s Museum in Virginia. The book covers 41
explorers from Prince Henry the Navigator through the Spanish explorers, ending with
Vasquez and Coronado. The atlas opens with a chapter giving background on 15th century
Europe, then covers discovering the coast of Africa, 15th-16th century navigation and
sailing, Columbus, sea routes to India, exploring the coast of North and South America,
Spanish conquest of Central America, exploring the Pacific, searching for the Northwest
Passage, inland explorations of the Americas, cartography, and ending with a great chapter
on the legacy of discovery. Although not presented in the exciting, storybook manner of Great Adventures that Changed our World, this atlas could be
used to replace it, or better yet, used as a great reference with it.
 The World of
Columbus and Sons
Genevieve Foster
Each part of Genevieve Foster’s interesting histories tells about the
world, the events, and the persons who are important during each stage of her
subject’s life. Thus, when Columbus was a boy, we learn of the pivotal events and
persons of the fifteenth century, leading up to his landmark voyages at the end of that
century, and then following the lives of his sons for the first part of the sixteenth
century. Thus we not only learn of Columbus and his sons’ lives, but we meet the
other artists, explorers, royalty, church leaders, reformers, and others that lived during
his pivotal times.
 Ship
David Macaulay
“In their day, the small wooden ships called caravels were a
technological triumph--the space shuttles of the fifteenth century. The creation of the
caravel, a ship ideally suited to the uncertainties of coastal exploration and
transatlantic travel, changed the map of the world forever. And yet there are no drawings
or models from that time which tell us exactly what these ships looked like or how they
were built. In Ship, we join a group of modern-day underwater archaeologists as
they search for a long-lost caravel in the reefs of the Caribbean. The piece-by-piece
recovery of maritime artifacts ... is straightforwardly described through a combination of
drawings, documents, maps, and diagrams. And as the clues to the past are pieced together,
a story is revealed--of the triumphant birth of the ship Magdelena of Seville, and
of its tragic final voyage a continent away. Although a work of fiction, Ship is
based entirely on recent and continuing efforts of archaeologists and historians around
the world.” -Jacket. Caravels are the type of ship Columbus used in his voyages.
 The Sea King:
Sir Francis Drake and His Times
Albert Marrin
The Spanish called Sir Francis Drake ‘Elizabeth’s Dog,’
which shows who he was working for. But the life of Sir Francis Drake encompasses far more
than the Age of Exploration: it has to do with the Renaissance, as Elizabeth was the
champion of the arts and literature in England; and the Reformation, as Protestant
England’s harrying of the Catholic Spanish was in part a repercussion of the Spanish
Inquisition; as well as the Age of Exploration, as the events of Sir Francis Drake’s
life were played out in the royal courts of the Old World and the newly mapped waterways
of the New. Dr. Albert Marrin is a capable guide to this turbulent time period and
effortlessly interweaves the elements of the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Age of
Exploration together in his fascinating narrative of the life and times of the Sea King.
Amply illustrated with maps, paintings, and other historical media, and containing a very
select and outstanding bibliography and comprehensive index, Marrin’s histories, on
any subject we can find them, have long been our family’s favorites.
Out of Print. Search AddAll.com
or BookFinder.com via an author search using
‘albert marrin’ and a title search using ‘sea king;’ see locating out of print books.
 Where Am I? The
Story of Maps & Navigation
A. G. Smith
For the later grammar stage, “this thoroughly fascinating history of
cartography ranges from the birchbark maps of the early Indians and clay tablets of the
Babylonians right up to the Global Positioning System of today... Great resource book for
teachers, and lovers of maps or history.” So says the Parent Council review. This is
the best book on the history of cartography for kids that I have seen.
This online catalog is made possible through an association with Amazon.com.
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browser’s “Back” button will bring you back to this catalog.
Locating Out of Print Books
Sometimes books go out of print, or the publisher runs out of stock. Any book not
available from Amazon.com for any reason can be searched using AddAll.com, a book shopping site which will scan Amazon
as well as Barnes and Noble, Powell’s Books, Book Close Outs and many other new and
used book sites. Be sure to also check BookFinder.com
for out of print book searches.
If all else fails, and you cannot find a book you need, check it out from
the library, or request it from your library through interlibrary loan. Once you have the
book home, take it to a copy store and copy it. You can even have color copies done of key
maps or photographs. Copy stores can now do nice bindings on your copy projects. The copyright law allows copying of out of print
(not in print) works to be used for educational purposes. Then return the book to the
library, and you have your own book to keep, usually for less than it would be from a
collector’s book shop.
Still have questions? Ask
me!
 
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