Books & Articles
What follows are links to my published writings. Here you will find my academic publications, a large selection of children's fiction, and Christian works. Please click on the picture of a book cover to find out more about the book and how to purchase your own copies.
Academic Books
I was pleased to write this with my friend and colleague Clifford Hull, who was in graduate school when I was an undergrad Classics major at Indiana University, and excited to work with Clifford again and my wife this time for 20th anniversary second edition, which came out in 2022.
As the Amazon site says, "Earn-lay atin-Lay? No, not that kind of Latin! You can learn true Latin, with conjugations, declensions, and all those extra syllables – and it’s easier than you think. In fact, most people mistakenly think of learning Latin as perhaps the most useless, tedious, and difficult thing to do on earth. They couldn’t be more wrong. Latin For Dummies takes you back for a quick jaunt through the parlance of ancient Rome, as well as discussing the progress of Latin into church language, and its status today as the “dead” language that lives on in English, Spanish, Italian, and most other Western tongues. Written for those with zero prior knowledge of Latin, this snappy guide puts the basics at your fingertips and steers clear of the arcane, schoolmarm stereotype of endless
declensions and Herculean translations."
As the Amazon site says, "Earn-lay atin-Lay? No, not that kind of Latin! You can learn true Latin, with conjugations, declensions, and all those extra syllables – and it’s easier than you think. In fact, most people mistakenly think of learning Latin as perhaps the most useless, tedious, and difficult thing to do on earth. They couldn’t be more wrong. Latin For Dummies takes you back for a quick jaunt through the parlance of ancient Rome, as well as discussing the progress of Latin into church language, and its status today as the “dead” language that lives on in English, Spanish, Italian, and most other Western tongues. Written for those with zero prior knowledge of Latin, this snappy guide puts the basics at your fingertips and steers clear of the arcane, schoolmarm stereotype of endless
declensions and Herculean translations."
The German edition came out in 2008.
So what is the Ilias Latina? In the first century A.D., during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, Latin poet Baebius Italicus translated Homer's Greek epic, the Iliad, into Latin. He also greatly reduced the content. From twenty-four books of Greek poetry, Italicus produced a version in just 1,070 Latin hexameter lines. The result was the Ilias Latina, which became the primary text through which people of the Middle Ages knew the story of the Trojan War.
After the rediscovery of the Homeric manuscripts, the Italicus rendering fell into disregard. What many enjoy in Homer, the long speeches and character development, are largely gone in the Latin version. Instead we have war poem that is all action, start to finish.
I began translating this piece during my lunch period in the fall of 2005 and decided to publish it when I realized there were no accessible English translations available. One, by George Kennedy, is no longer in print, and another by Kathryn McKinley exists only in a journal of Medieval literature.
To get a taste for what the Ilias Latina is like, consider the following lines:
Gigantic war rises up, and on both sides
Much blood is poured forth, and bodies are scattered
On all the fields, and groups in turn
Of both Trojans and Danaans fall.
No rest is given the men: Mars sounds from all sides,
And showers of weapons fly everywhere.
The son of Thalysias falls,
Sunk into the shades by the stout blade of Antilochus,
And abandons the wished-for light.
From there the son of Telamon, Ajax, seizes
With his strong hand the son of Anthemion, who was hot
On the backs of the Greeks, and transfixes his breast
With a hard, tempered spear. Anthemion vomits his crimson,
Blood-mixed soul and soaks his face as he dies.
Achilles in Rome contains the Latin text on facing pages with the English translation.
After the rediscovery of the Homeric manuscripts, the Italicus rendering fell into disregard. What many enjoy in Homer, the long speeches and character development, are largely gone in the Latin version. Instead we have war poem that is all action, start to finish.
I began translating this piece during my lunch period in the fall of 2005 and decided to publish it when I realized there were no accessible English translations available. One, by George Kennedy, is no longer in print, and another by Kathryn McKinley exists only in a journal of Medieval literature.
To get a taste for what the Ilias Latina is like, consider the following lines:
Gigantic war rises up, and on both sides
Much blood is poured forth, and bodies are scattered
On all the fields, and groups in turn
Of both Trojans and Danaans fall.
No rest is given the men: Mars sounds from all sides,
And showers of weapons fly everywhere.
The son of Thalysias falls,
Sunk into the shades by the stout blade of Antilochus,
And abandons the wished-for light.
From there the son of Telamon, Ajax, seizes
With his strong hand the son of Anthemion, who was hot
On the backs of the Greeks, and transfixes his breast
With a hard, tempered spear. Anthemion vomits his crimson,
Blood-mixed soul and soaks his face as he dies.
Achilles in Rome contains the Latin text on facing pages with the English translation.
In this book you will discover the earliest theories about the movement of the planets. Nearly three-thousand years
ago philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero were hypothesizing about the nature of the heavens, and Lucian
of Samosata was writing the first science fiction novel.
Read for yourself what humans first imagined about our place among the stars and be inspired to consider your
own role in the ongoing discovery of the wonders of
creation!
Latin text with vocabulary
ago philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero were hypothesizing about the nature of the heavens, and Lucian
of Samosata was writing the first science fiction novel.
Read for yourself what humans first imagined about our place among the stars and be inspired to consider your
own role in the ongoing discovery of the wonders of
creation!
Latin text with vocabulary
Academic Articles
- From Servius to Advanced Placement: The Anfractuous Path of the Helen Episode in Aeneid 2
- Vergilian "Works-Righteous": Salvation Through Work in the Aeneid
- The Homoousios Doctrine and Non-Reductive Models of Consciousness: An Orthodox Christian Look at the Mind-Body Problem
- Difficile Est Transferre Hanc Sententiam Latinam in Anglicam: The Depth and Charm of Latin Translation
- The Heresy of Latin Haiku
- Haicu Latinum: A Cross-Language Poetry Study
- Higher Level Thinking, Synthesis, and Critical Scholarship: Two Projects for Third Year and Advanced Placement Latin Classes
- The Complete Certaminer
Children's Books
The following are books I have published privately for our children as special gifts. I once asked our son if he would like for me to make his books available to anyone, and he said no. He liked the idea that some books were only for him. Our daughter is more open to the idea of broader publication, so check back to see if the status of these books change. At the moment, this is simply a record of these books. They are not at this time available for purchase.
Alphabetica Latina Austini
The book for Austin's first birthday was an illustrated, rhyming, Latin alphabet book. Beginning with "A est pro Adamo, primo viro" and containing illustrative pictures from some of the great painting masters, the book presents the alphabet in an engaging, and distinctly Latin, way. Copyright 2001, cream laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 53 pages.
I Went to the Park With My Daddy Today
On the first day of my summer vacation in 2002, Austin and I played in the park and took a trip to the library. I was struck on the way home by the rhythm of the sentence, "I went to the park with my daddy today." After arriving home, I wrote this rhyming story using the rhythm of that sentence. Copyright 2002, cream laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 19 pages.
Austin Ray Plays Golf
In June of 2003, Austin played on a regulation golf course for the first time. The game involved Grandpa, Grandma, Mommy, and Daddy. This rhyming story tells the tale of how Austin began playing golf in the back yard before heading out to the links. Copyright 2003, green laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 21 pages.
The Adventures of Austinus Radius
One Saturday I was proctoring an S.A.T. test and had nothing else to do, so I wrote a story. It involves a boy named Austin Ray who loves to dress up and play at being a Roman soldier. One day his daddy, a high school Latin teacher, brings home a plastic Roman sword, and Austin is in heaven. His backyard adventure transports him to ancient Rome, where the story kicks into high gear. Copyright 2004, paperback, 15 pages.
The book for Austin's first birthday was an illustrated, rhyming, Latin alphabet book. Beginning with "A est pro Adamo, primo viro" and containing illustrative pictures from some of the great painting masters, the book presents the alphabet in an engaging, and distinctly Latin, way. Copyright 2001, cream laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 53 pages.
I Went to the Park With My Daddy Today
On the first day of my summer vacation in 2002, Austin and I played in the park and took a trip to the library. I was struck on the way home by the rhythm of the sentence, "I went to the park with my daddy today." After arriving home, I wrote this rhyming story using the rhythm of that sentence. Copyright 2002, cream laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 19 pages.
Austin Ray Plays Golf
In June of 2003, Austin played on a regulation golf course for the first time. The game involved Grandpa, Grandma, Mommy, and Daddy. This rhyming story tells the tale of how Austin began playing golf in the back yard before heading out to the links. Copyright 2003, green laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 21 pages.
The Adventures of Austinus Radius
One Saturday I was proctoring an S.A.T. test and had nothing else to do, so I wrote a story. It involves a boy named Austin Ray who loves to dress up and play at being a Roman soldier. One day his daddy, a high school Latin teacher, brings home a plastic Roman sword, and Austin is in heaven. His backyard adventure transports him to ancient Rome, where the story kicks into high gear. Copyright 2004, paperback, 15 pages.
The Best Part of You
This rhyming story was the book for Olivia's first birthday. It included pictures of her and other items, such as blue diamonds, to which her eyes were compared. The best part, however, was the extra-big heart that she has. Copyright 2005, pink laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 10 pages.
Cowboy Austin
Austin received this as a Christmas gift. He was participating in pre-school rodeo at the time and was a great cowboy. The story is about a young cowboy who finds a town being threatened by a fierce, black bear. The battle rages throughout the town and into the prairie beyond, but ultimately Cowboy Austin wins the day. This rhyming story features the rhythm of Macaulay's Horatius. Copyright 2005, hardback, illustrated, 24 pages.
The Ballade of Sir Alfred
Austin's sixth birthday was all about knights, and so his book for this year was a ballad-stanza poem about a king, a usurper to the throne, and a trusty knight who, being faithful to God and king, saved the day. Copyright 2006, hardback, illustrated, 29 pages.
This rhyming story was the book for Olivia's first birthday. It included pictures of her and other items, such as blue diamonds, to which her eyes were compared. The best part, however, was the extra-big heart that she has. Copyright 2005, pink laminated cover, spiral bound, illustrated, 10 pages.
Cowboy Austin
Austin received this as a Christmas gift. He was participating in pre-school rodeo at the time and was a great cowboy. The story is about a young cowboy who finds a town being threatened by a fierce, black bear. The battle rages throughout the town and into the prairie beyond, but ultimately Cowboy Austin wins the day. This rhyming story features the rhythm of Macaulay's Horatius. Copyright 2005, hardback, illustrated, 24 pages.
The Ballade of Sir Alfred
Austin's sixth birthday was all about knights, and so his book for this year was a ballad-stanza poem about a king, a usurper to the throne, and a trusty knight who, being faithful to God and king, saved the day. Copyright 2006, hardback, illustrated, 29 pages.
Carmina Latina Oliviae
For her second birthday Olivia received a book of favorite children's songs in Latin. It includes such favorites as "Jesus Loves Me," "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Her brother, Austin, requested that "We Three Kings" be included because he had recently sung it at a Christmas play. Copyright 2007, paperback, illustrated, 25 pages.
For her second birthday Olivia received a book of favorite children's songs in Latin. It includes such favorites as "Jesus Loves Me," "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Her brother, Austin, requested that "We Three Kings" be included because he had recently sung it at a Christmas play. Copyright 2007, paperback, illustrated, 25 pages.
Phidippides Allen Long
For his seventh birthday, Austin received his first chapter book from me. Phidippides tells the story of a boy who shares his name with the famous runner who reported the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. He accompanies his family on a trip to Greece where his dad, a Greek professor, works to discover the secret of the ancient Phidippides' speed. Unfortunately, such academic work is ruined when another professor steals the secret and goes back in time in an attempt to change history. Young Phidippides follows him back to the ancient world and saves the day with super speed of his own. Copyright 2007, paperback, 106 pages.
For his seventh birthday, Austin received his first chapter book from me. Phidippides tells the story of a boy who shares his name with the famous runner who reported the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. He accompanies his family on a trip to Greece where his dad, a Greek professor, works to discover the secret of the ancient Phidippides' speed. Unfortunately, such academic work is ruined when another professor steals the secret and goes back in time in an attempt to change history. Young Phidippides follows him back to the ancient world and saves the day with super speed of his own. Copyright 2007, paperback, 106 pages.
Frederick Finds the Cheese
I saw a red, yellow, and blue rolling mouse at a toy store and thought it would make a good "stocking stuffer" for the children at Christmas. And then I thought a book would be nice to go with it. Frederick tells the story of a mouse who risks life and fur in pursuit of cheese, only to come home and find that some has been provided for him. Copyright 2007, paperback, 22 pages.
I saw a red, yellow, and blue rolling mouse at a toy store and thought it would make a good "stocking stuffer" for the children at Christmas. And then I thought a book would be nice to go with it. Frederick tells the story of a mouse who risks life and fur in pursuit of cheese, only to come home and find that some has been provided for him. Copyright 2007, paperback, 22 pages.
Mary and the Angel
This was the book for Olivia's third birthday. It is a rhyming, illustrated version of the Annunciation. Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 8 pages.
This was the book for Olivia's third birthday. It is a rhyming, illustrated version of the Annunciation. Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 8 pages.
A Boy's Beowulf
This was the book for Austin's eighth birthday. It is an abridged version in ballad stanza of the first English epic . Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 31 pages.
This was the book for Austin's eighth birthday. It is an abridged version in ballad stanza of the first English epic . Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 31 pages.
Tales of the Scarlet Speedster
I had not planned to write another book for Austin in 2008 after the one for his birthday, but he had gotten so interested in the DC Comics character The Flash, and it brought back so many memories from my childhood, that I wrote a collection of four Flash stories for him. I indulged Flash's and my own enjoyment of puns with titles such as "Echoes of Narcissus" and "Around the Day in 80 Worlds." Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 55 pages.
I had not planned to write another book for Austin in 2008 after the one for his birthday, but he had gotten so interested in the DC Comics character The Flash, and it brought back so many memories from my childhood, that I wrote a collection of four Flash stories for him. I indulged Flash's and my own enjoyment of puns with titles such as "Echoes of Narcissus" and "Around the Day in 80 Worlds." Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 55 pages.
Olivia's Tea Party
For Olivia's fourth birthday she received a rhyming, counting book. The story tells about a girl named Olivia who decides that a tea party is much more fun when all of your friends are there. As her friends arrive one by one, the numbers, and the fun, keep building. Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 20 pages.
For Olivia's fourth birthday she received a rhyming, counting book. The story tells about a girl named Olivia who decides that a tea party is much more fun when all of your friends are there. As her friends arrive one by one, the numbers, and the fun, keep building. Copyright 2008, paperback, illustrated, 20 pages.
The Guard at the Tomb
The book for Austin's ninth birthday told the fictional story of Publius Sempronius Tuditanus, one of the guards at the tomb of Jesus. It draws heavily on the gospel accounts, as well as the fragments from the so-called Gospel of Peter. Copyright 2009, paperback, 103 pages.
The book for Austin's ninth birthday told the fictional story of Publius Sempronius Tuditanus, one of the guards at the tomb of Jesus. It draws heavily on the gospel accounts, as well as the fragments from the so-called Gospel of Peter. Copyright 2009, paperback, 103 pages.
Cherry the Sawdust Girl
Written for Olivia's fifth birthday, Cherry tells the story of a little girl named Carol whose farming parents cannot afford expensive toys. When she finally receives Cherry, a doll stuffed with sawdust, she discovers a special friend who teaches her something about Jesus. To go along with the book, Olivia received an actual doll stuffed with sawdust that came from the wood of a cherry tree cut down at her Papaw's house. Copyright 2009, paperback, illustrated, 41 pages.
Written for Olivia's fifth birthday, Cherry tells the story of a little girl named Carol whose farming parents cannot afford expensive toys. When she finally receives Cherry, a doll stuffed with sawdust, she discovers a special friend who teaches her something about Jesus. To go along with the book, Olivia received an actual doll stuffed with sawdust that came from the wood of a cherry tree cut down at her Papaw's house. Copyright 2009, paperback, illustrated, 41 pages.
Knight to C3
I had already begun writing a book about chess before Austin told us he wanted a chess-themed party for his tenth birthday. This book tells the story of a fourth grader who discovers his dad's chess set, develops a passion for the game, and uses strategies from classic grandmaster games to solve a mystery at his school. Copyright 2010, paperback, 161 pages.
I had already begun writing a book about chess before Austin told us he wanted a chess-themed party for his tenth birthday. This book tells the story of a fourth grader who discovers his dad's chess set, develops a passion for the game, and uses strategies from classic grandmaster games to solve a mystery at his school. Copyright 2010, paperback, 161 pages.
Sally and the Sky Ponies
The idea for Olivia's fifth birthday story came about in the spring of 2010 when I was driving Austin and Olivia to school. Olivia asked me to tell them a story, so I began making up one about a little girl who had adventures when the cloud shapes she saw began to come to life. As soon as I got to school, I jotted down the ideas for what would become Sally and the Sky Ponies. This book tells the story of a little girl and her brother who visit their grandparents' farm. After spending the day riding a Cloud Pony, Sally has further adventures at night on her Sky Pony. Copyright 2011, paperback, 32 pages.
The idea for Olivia's fifth birthday story came about in the spring of 2010 when I was driving Austin and Olivia to school. Olivia asked me to tell them a story, so I began making up one about a little girl who had adventures when the cloud shapes she saw began to come to life. As soon as I got to school, I jotted down the ideas for what would become Sally and the Sky Ponies. This book tells the story of a little girl and her brother who visit their grandparents' farm. After spending the day riding a Cloud Pony, Sally has further adventures at night on her Sky Pony. Copyright 2011, paperback, 32 pages.
The Legend of Aeneas
For Austin's eleventh birthday, I wrote a version of the Aeneid for children. This was a true labor of love that started as a translation of Vergil's epic and turned into a prose work told through the eyes of Ascanius, the son of Aeneas. It follows closely the original and is told in twelve chapters to match Vergil's divisions. There is an epilogue and color plates of famous artwork from the Aeneid. Copyright 2011, paperback, 125 pages.
For Austin's eleventh birthday, I wrote a version of the Aeneid for children. This was a true labor of love that started as a translation of Vergil's epic and turned into a prose work told through the eyes of Ascanius, the son of Aeneas. It follows closely the original and is told in twelve chapters to match Vergil's divisions. There is an epilogue and color plates of famous artwork from the Aeneid. Copyright 2011, paperback, 125 pages.
The Girl From Binfield
In 1714 Alexander Pope published "Upon a Girl of Seven Years Old," which he had written the previous year. The Girl From Binfield tells the imagined story behind this poem and seemed perfect for Olivia's seventh birthday. It tells of a girl in the rural town of Binfield who learns to appreciate literature and poetry from the Pope's mother and eventually meets the great poet herself, inspiring him to write his poem and launching her on the path to her dreams. Copyright 2012, paperback, 118 pages.
In 1714 Alexander Pope published "Upon a Girl of Seven Years Old," which he had written the previous year. The Girl From Binfield tells the imagined story behind this poem and seemed perfect for Olivia's seventh birthday. It tells of a girl in the rural town of Binfield who learns to appreciate literature and poetry from the Pope's mother and eventually meets the great poet herself, inspiring him to write his poem and launching her on the path to her dreams. Copyright 2012, paperback, 118 pages.
The Steel Centurion
As I pondered the topic for the book for our Austin's twelfth birthday, my eyes spotted the metallic figure of a centurion sitting on my desk. The entire story flashed through my mind almost instantly. It tells the tale of a young slave boy named Kouros, which is the Greek word for "boy," serving in a blacksmith's workshop in northern Italy during the 1st century A.D. Led by a legend to the forge of Vulcan in the heart of Mt. Vesuvius, Kouros, his owner, and a Roman soldier embark on an adventure to discover the secret to making a steel centurion. Along the way they encounter thieves, chariot races, and a volcanic eruption, to say nothing of the kindness that leads to freedom. Copyright 2012, paperback, 184 pages.
As I pondered the topic for the book for our Austin's twelfth birthday, my eyes spotted the metallic figure of a centurion sitting on my desk. The entire story flashed through my mind almost instantly. It tells the tale of a young slave boy named Kouros, which is the Greek word for "boy," serving in a blacksmith's workshop in northern Italy during the 1st century A.D. Led by a legend to the forge of Vulcan in the heart of Mt. Vesuvius, Kouros, his owner, and a Roman soldier embark on an adventure to discover the secret to making a steel centurion. Along the way they encounter thieves, chariot races, and a volcanic eruption, to say nothing of the kindness that leads to freedom. Copyright 2012, paperback, 184 pages.
Arwyn of Blackwood Hall
This book for Olivia's eighth birthday was a first on several levels. I wrote the first draft entirely on my iPad. I had written most of The Girl From Binfield and The Steel Centurion on it, but this was the first to be composed entirely in that format. It is also the first book I have written that borrows characters from another of my books. It tells the story of Lady Arwyn, Sir Alfred, King William, and an evil knight named Margon, who were all introduced in The Ballade of Sir Alfred. The story opens with Arwyn and Alfred now married and living in Blackwood Hall with their children. Margon returns to threaten the kingdom, this time with an army of giants called the Bilschuung who live in the mountains nearby. Lady Arwyn ultimately saves the day with her archery skills. In yet another first, this is the first work I also published as an ebook. This book is a first in one more way. Austin designed the cover! Copyright 2013, paperback, 99 pages.
This book for Olivia's eighth birthday was a first on several levels. I wrote the first draft entirely on my iPad. I had written most of The Girl From Binfield and The Steel Centurion on it, but this was the first to be composed entirely in that format. It is also the first book I have written that borrows characters from another of my books. It tells the story of Lady Arwyn, Sir Alfred, King William, and an evil knight named Margon, who were all introduced in The Ballade of Sir Alfred. The story opens with Arwyn and Alfred now married and living in Blackwood Hall with their children. Margon returns to threaten the kingdom, this time with an army of giants called the Bilschuung who live in the mountains nearby. Lady Arwyn ultimately saves the day with her archery skills. In yet another first, this is the first work I also published as an ebook. This book is a first in one more way. Austin designed the cover! Copyright 2013, paperback, 99 pages.
The Space Between
The book for Austin's thirteenth birthday had several influences. After having recently read The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, I wanted to write something in that vein. I have always been intrigued by the atomic theory put forth by Lucretius in his 1st century B.C. poem De Rerum Natura, and the two came neatly together. The Space Between tells the story of a 19th century Boston scientist who takes Lucretius seriously and devises a machine that enables him to enter the space between the atoms that make up reality. Unforeseen disaster ensues, and the doctor must once again enter the space between if he is to have any hope of saving the world. I contacted Leiden University in the Netherlands, and they were kind of enough to send me a copy of the oldest surviving manuscript of Lucretius featuring Book II.216-218, whose lines are central to the story. I used that image for the cover and within the book. Copyright 2013, paperback, 97 pages
The book for Austin's thirteenth birthday had several influences. After having recently read The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, I wanted to write something in that vein. I have always been intrigued by the atomic theory put forth by Lucretius in his 1st century B.C. poem De Rerum Natura, and the two came neatly together. The Space Between tells the story of a 19th century Boston scientist who takes Lucretius seriously and devises a machine that enables him to enter the space between the atoms that make up reality. Unforeseen disaster ensues, and the doctor must once again enter the space between if he is to have any hope of saving the world. I contacted Leiden University in the Netherlands, and they were kind of enough to send me a copy of the oldest surviving manuscript of Lucretius featuring Book II.216-218, whose lines are central to the story. I used that image for the cover and within the book. Copyright 2013, paperback, 97 pages
A Swim To Freedom
This was the book for Olivia's ninth birthday. It tells the story of Cloelia, the girl who escaped her Etruscan captors and led her fellow hostages to freedom across the Tiber River. The book uses facts from Books 1 and 2 of Livy's Ab Urbe Condita and includes the tales of Horatius at the bridge and Mucius Scaevola. We watch this young girl transform from playful child to mature leader at one of the most exciting times in Roman history, the end of the Kingdom and beginning of the Republic. Copyright 2014, paperback, 95 pages.
This was the book for Olivia's ninth birthday. It tells the story of Cloelia, the girl who escaped her Etruscan captors and led her fellow hostages to freedom across the Tiber River. The book uses facts from Books 1 and 2 of Livy's Ab Urbe Condita and includes the tales of Horatius at the bridge and Mucius Scaevola. We watch this young girl transform from playful child to mature leader at one of the most exciting times in Roman history, the end of the Kingdom and beginning of the Republic. Copyright 2014, paperback, 95 pages.
Short Stories
I wrote this book for Austin's fourteenth birthday to fulfill two goals. When I asked him once what his favorite type of book was, he said, "One with a five-paragraph fist fight." It was his way of saying he liked action stories, so I wanted to try to deliver on that level. I also wanted to explore different genres, both to expose him to a wider range of writing and to push myself as an author. In this collection are stories set in the Old West, in outer space, and WWII-era Germany. We see fan fiction and classic detective novel or pulp fiction. The tall tale even makes its way into this collection. Copyright 2014, paperback, 91 pages.
I wrote this book for Austin's fourteenth birthday to fulfill two goals. When I asked him once what his favorite type of book was, he said, "One with a five-paragraph fist fight." It was his way of saying he liked action stories, so I wanted to try to deliver on that level. I also wanted to explore different genres, both to expose him to a wider range of writing and to push myself as an author. In this collection are stories set in the Old West, in outer space, and WWII-era Germany. We see fan fiction and classic detective novel or pulp fiction. The tall tale even makes its way into this collection. Copyright 2014, paperback, 91 pages.
The Prophecy
Olivia once said that she liked the books I wrote her because they were about girls who had adventures, and this one for her tenth birthday fits that bill. L'Avalia has known since she was born that she would one day become the ruler of the five planets that make up the Aurigniferian Empire. What no one could have known was that she would also be the one to fulfill a famous prophecy. After an accident that takes place one day while she is out riding with her brother, events start to happen that will transform the lives of everyone in the galaxy. L'Avalia must face all the challenges of growing up while taking on a threat to her empire, a threat from a most frightening and surprising source. Copyright 2014, paperback, 83 pages.
Olivia once said that she liked the books I wrote her because they were about girls who had adventures, and this one for her tenth birthday fits that bill. L'Avalia has known since she was born that she would one day become the ruler of the five planets that make up the Aurigniferian Empire. What no one could have known was that she would also be the one to fulfill a famous prophecy. After an accident that takes place one day while she is out riding with her brother, events start to happen that will transform the lives of everyone in the galaxy. L'Avalia must face all the challenges of growing up while taking on a threat to her empire, a threat from a most frightening and surprising source. Copyright 2014, paperback, 83 pages.
The Sword of Damocles
This is the five-paragraph-fist fight that Austin once told me he liked to read in books. The story involves a plot
to take over the world and the search for what was once believed to be a mythical sword. With globetrotting
from Germany to Italy to Greece and back again, to say nothing of fast, luxurious cars, and danger in every
chapter, this is a page-turner based on history, archaeology, and science. Copyright 2014, paperback, 110
pages.
This is the five-paragraph-fist fight that Austin once told me he liked to read in books. The story involves a plot
to take over the world and the search for what was once believed to be a mythical sword. With globetrotting
from Germany to Italy to Greece and back again, to say nothing of fast, luxurious cars, and danger in every
chapter, this is a page-turner based on history, archaeology, and science. Copyright 2014, paperback, 110
pages.
The 18th Hole
I wrote this book for Olivia's eleventh birthday after she had taken an interest in golf the previous summer and fall. As the story of Sandy McIntosh, who discovers a set of golf clubs in grandfather's attic when she is in fifth grade and takes an interest in the game that lasts throughout her life, took shape, I began to include more and more details from my own childhood, with specific references to my dad, my uncle, and various golf courses I played in southern Indiana. My grandma's 1960 Chevy Biscayne even plays a significant role as Sandy
navigates the ups and downs of school and growing up as her beloved grandpa gives her advice on and off
the golf course. Copyright 2016, paperback, 256 pages.
I wrote this book for Olivia's eleventh birthday after she had taken an interest in golf the previous summer and fall. As the story of Sandy McIntosh, who discovers a set of golf clubs in grandfather's attic when she is in fifth grade and takes an interest in the game that lasts throughout her life, took shape, I began to include more and more details from my own childhood, with specific references to my dad, my uncle, and various golf courses I played in southern Indiana. My grandma's 1960 Chevy Biscayne even plays a significant role as Sandy
navigates the ups and downs of school and growing up as her beloved grandpa gives her advice on and off
the golf course. Copyright 2016, paperback, 256 pages.
Christian Books
As a Classicist and Latin teacher, I have long enjoyed the rich tradition of Latin prayers. As a Protestant, however, I haverarely encountered these prayers in corporate worship and know that most of my Protestant brothers and sisters are unaware of their existence. This is unfortunate, for many of these prayers contain a depth unmatched by anything in modern forms of worship.
At the same time, I enjoy modern worship and am also aware that many of my Catholic brothers and sisters, who maybe familiar with some of these prayers, may only know them in a formal way. It is here that a fresh, contemporary approach may breathe new life into these prayers.
I am a translator and poet. I am also a Christian. Just as philosopher Alvin Plantinga in his famous address, "Advice to Christian Philosophers" (http://www.faithandphilosophy.com/onlinearticle/advice) argues that it is a proper and necessary task for Christian philosophers to ply their intellectual trade in and on behalf of the Christian community, I, too, believe that I must put the gifts God has given me into His service and eagerly desire to do so. With this inspiration, I set out to engage all the challenges that confront a translator and poet in rendering the words of another language, from another time, in another place, into a contemporary idiom. I pray that I have been faithful, if not successful.
This collection of Latin prayers and English renderings, then, comes from the writings of Christian men and women throughout the ages. Though penned by human hands, they lead us into the presence of God and allow us, who still see through a glass darkly, to catch a glimpse of the other side of Heaven.
At the same time, I enjoy modern worship and am also aware that many of my Catholic brothers and sisters, who maybe familiar with some of these prayers, may only know them in a formal way. It is here that a fresh, contemporary approach may breathe new life into these prayers.
I am a translator and poet. I am also a Christian. Just as philosopher Alvin Plantinga in his famous address, "Advice to Christian Philosophers" (http://www.faithandphilosophy.com/onlinearticle/advice) argues that it is a proper and necessary task for Christian philosophers to ply their intellectual trade in and on behalf of the Christian community, I, too, believe that I must put the gifts God has given me into His service and eagerly desire to do so. With this inspiration, I set out to engage all the challenges that confront a translator and poet in rendering the words of another language, from another time, in another place, into a contemporary idiom. I pray that I have been faithful, if not successful.
This collection of Latin prayers and English renderings, then, comes from the writings of Christian men and women throughout the ages. Though penned by human hands, they lead us into the presence of God and allow us, who still see through a glass darkly, to catch a glimpse of the other side of Heaven.
In January of 1998 I began emailing the Online Devotions. Over time the subscription list has grown to include students and adults from all walks of life. The list includes recipients from across the United States and beyond.
The devotions come out at the start of each week and contain a verse or two of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years many people suggested that some of the devotions seemed particularly well suited for men, and since there are not as many Christian resources directed at a male audience, it seemed appropriate to put this collection together.
Whether your desert is a place to hide, a place of testing, or the training ground for the life to which God has called you, this book of forty devotions will help you discover where you truly are and, even more importantly, where God would lead you.
"Steve Perkins' Desert Days Devotions are a must read if you have been hiding in the desert. He paints in vivid colors a portrait of most of us. We like to see ourselves as tough, matter of fact men with little or no emotions. That will change as you read and allow the warmth of these biblical principles to take root and grow in your life. In the desert he provides an oasis that will refresh the thirsty soul. These forty devotionals will help you recapture hope and vitality." F. Delbert Gray, Professor Emeritus at Louisville Bible College
The devotions come out at the start of each week and contain a verse or two of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years many people suggested that some of the devotions seemed particularly well suited for men, and since there are not as many Christian resources directed at a male audience, it seemed appropriate to put this collection together.
Whether your desert is a place to hide, a place of testing, or the training ground for the life to which God has called you, this book of forty devotions will help you discover where you truly are and, even more importantly, where God would lead you.
"Steve Perkins' Desert Days Devotions are a must read if you have been hiding in the desert. He paints in vivid colors a portrait of most of us. We like to see ourselves as tough, matter of fact men with little or no emotions. That will change as you read and allow the warmth of these biblical principles to take root and grow in your life. In the desert he provides an oasis that will refresh the thirsty soul. These forty devotionals will help you recapture hope and vitality." F. Delbert Gray, Professor Emeritus at Louisville Bible College
Fiction
On a company golf outing, in Myrtle Beach, computer account executive Mike Anderson encounters clues to a past he never knew he had. Along the way he discovers a new love of the game, but finds something even more important…himself.