This 384-page text, originally published in 1940, gives an overview of history from creation to the founding of the new world from a Catholic viewpoint. With such a wide time span, do not expect an in-depth study of any particular period of history. Instead, the author seeks to give the student a basic foundation for the study of American history. After all, we cannot begin to understand the present if we do not first study the past. Since one cannot truly understand the past without first understanding the impact of Christ and His church on historical events, this text recognizes the Church's contributions throughout history.
Although written for fifth to eighth graders, this text can be used with younger students as a read-aloud or reference book. For example, when my third grader was studying Ancient Rome, I read the chapter entitled "Contribution of Rome to Civilization" to him over the course of several days. This was a nice addition to our year-long immersion into the study of Rome.
Chapters end with objective tests, questions that make you think, activities, questions that test your character, and a vocabulary list. The text also includes illustrations, maps, an index, and a pronunciation key.
An answer key, (written by Maureen McDewitt, a homeschooling mother) is available. (The text has the Imprimatur and the Nihil Obstat.) [reviewed by Maureen Wittmann]
