William R. Cook Audio

Explore the vast and fascinating history of one of the most influential institutions in the world with The Catholic Church: A History. In 36 informative and engaging lectures, follow the development of this powerful religious force throughout the centuries and witness its ability to move armies, inspire saints, and shape the lives and spirits of its more than 1 billion members.

This course explores Dante’s Divine Comedy from both a historical and literary perspective.

When Francis of Assisi died at the age of 44 in 1226, he left behind nothing of what the world esteems as wealth.

It is part of the human endeavor to invent and inhabit literary landscapes. Literature, though "fiction," provides experiential knowledge to readers who enter those landscapes.

The followers of Jesus, who came to be called Christians, have practiced and preached their beliefs for centuries. Their actions and achievements, their abilities and energies, have changed the course of history and the nature of belief. Many are well known, but many more are obscure or even nameless.

Mentioning the name Niccolò Machiavelli can unleash a powerful response, even among people who have never read a word of his writings.

If you could only take five books to a desert island, the Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo would have to be one of them.

How is it possible that perhaps the greatest book about U.S. democracy that has ever been written was penned by a Frenchman visiting this country some 175 years ago? Why is it still relevant in today’s ever-changing political landscape?