Recommended Course by The Cardinal Newman Society
Students should not merely read about history; they should step into it and experience it as a living story. The Story of Civilization (4 volumes) invites students into the drama of salvation history as it unfolds across the world. Catholic historian Phillip Campbell weaves together scholarly expertise and engaging storytelling to present the past—not as a dry collection of names and dates, but as a thrilling journey guided by God’s providence.
This series reflects a renewed vision of history education—history as a narrative that captivates the imagination while forming the mind and heart. Each chapter immerses students in short stories that place them in the shoes of saints and sinners, rulers and commoners, visionaries and ordinary workers.
Perfect for middle school classrooms, this series forms students who do not simply memorize history, but enter into it—recognizing their own place within the great story of God’s creation and redemption.
Volume I: The Ancient World
Volume I: The Ancient World begins the journey, covering the time periods from the dawn of history and the early nomads to the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Students will learn what life was like in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome, and more, as well as learn the Old Testament stories of the Israelites and the coming of Christ. The strength of the content lies not only in the storybook delivery of it, but also in the way it presents history through the faithful prism of the Church. Here, you’ll have the trusted resource you’ve always wanted to help your students learn about world history from a Catholic perspective.
Volume II: The Medieval World
Volume II: The Medieval World continues the journey, picking up where Volume I left off just after the conversion of Emperor Constantine.
Students will watch the seeds of Christendom being planted in the soil of Europe thanks to colossal figures like Sts. Ambrose, Patrick, and Benedict.
The wonder of the Medieval world comes alive with brilliant tales of knights, crusaders, castles, and inventions.
The strength of the content lies not only in the storybook delivery of it, but also in the way it presents history through the faithful prism of the Church.
Continuing to provide the trusted resources you’ve always wanted to help your students learn about world history from a Catholic perspective.
Volume III: The Making of the Modern World
Volume III: The Making of the Modern World continues the journey, picking up where Volume II left off amidst the Renaissance and quickly diving into the history—altering events of the Reformation. This fracturing of the Church dramatically altered the course of modern Europe and the world at large. However, during the most tumultuous times, God gives us the greatest saints. Students will meet great figures like Sts. Pius V, Thomas More, John Vianney, and Margaret Mary Alacoque, as well as powerful leaders like Napoleon and Kings Henry VIII of England and Louis XIV of France. This volume brings us through present-day Europe, showing us the effects of two world wars and how the Church responded to these changing times.
Volume IV: The History of the United States
Volume IV: The History of the United States transfers the journey over to the New World.
Beginning with Columbus when he sailed the open blue and extending into the present day, this volume tells the thrilling tale of our nation,
both the good and the bad. Students will learn about heroic American saints like Juan Diego, Peter Claver, and Elizabeth Ann Seton, explorers like Lewis and Clark
and Neil Armstrong, and a whole host of U.S. presidents, as well as relive some of the most significant events in our country’s past, like the signing of the
Declaration of Independence, the assassination of President Lincoln, the Civil Rights Movement, the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, and many more.
