Saints and Heroes: Since the Middle Ages is an unabridged, republication of a work originally published in 1912. This nonfiction work is classified as appropriate for ages 11 and up. However, because the work is still in the original antiquated style, it may be somewhat challenging for young teens to read on their own.

Saints and Heroes could easily be used as a stand-alone study of church history from the Reformation through the late 1700s. Using biographical sketches, the book explores the lives, views, and impact of Luther, More, Loyola, Cranmer, Calvin, Knox, Coligny, William the Silent, Brewster, Laud, Cromwell, Bunyan, Fox, and Wesley. There is a strong emphasis on the development of the Protestant church, partly because of the time period that is addressed and partly because of the Episcopalian beliefs of the author.

Our family has studied U.S. history, our state's history, and ancient civilizations. Saints and Heroes brought to my attention my lack of knowledge concerning the structure of governments and royal hierarchies during the Reformation. The biographical sketches throughout the text vividly portray the involvement of these individuals in their governmental systems or their opposition to those regimes.

After we progress through the Middle Ages this year and then begin a more extensive study of the Reformation and the Enlightenment, I will definitely be pulling Saints and Heroes: Since the Middle Ages off the shelf to provide a church history perspective to our study. Priced at just $9.95 by the publisher, this is a very affordable text.

Product review by Dawn Oaks, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2009