Virtues That Build Us Up: More Life Lessons from Great Literature

Using examples from great literature, The Virtues that Build Us Up presents powerful, articulate discussions of the Catholic character. For those who seek a moderately challenging, intellectual discussion of traditional Catholic morality, this book inspires readers to study and apply wisdom from trusted literary and spiritual masters in making honorable and morally upright choices.

In this companion piece to The Virtues We Need Again, Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian explores through Western literature the many aspects of Catholic character: innocence, reverence, duty, chivalry, nobility, honor, and the sense of truth.

Mitchell Kalpakgian is a writer, a tutor, and a professor of humanities. He is the author of An American Family Reunion, The Lost Arts of Modern Civilization, and Mysteries of Life in Children’s Literature. He is a contributor for Catholic Faith, Culture Wars magazine, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, and the New Oxford Review. He lives in Warner, New Hampshire.

"[Mitchell Kalpakgian] always delights the reader with a luminous wisdom and a literary flourish that enlightens even as it entertains." —Joseph Pearce, author, Tolkien: Man, Myth and Literary Life

"Reading Dr. Kalpakgian is like being served an exquisite new wine made from grapes in your own backyard or uncovering an ancient and mysterious map that happens to be of your own country. It is a discovery, a delight, and an adventure among things that are right in front of you. It is the excitement of tradition, the love of family, the joy of literature, and the realization that this vale of tears has been touched by a good and beautiful God who loves us." —John M. DeJak, Dean and Latin Teacher, Saint Agnes School, St. Paul MN & Director, The Wanderer Forum Foundation

"Mitchell Kalpakgian has a unique knack for drawing out that kernel of eternal truth that gives meaning and purpose to the human experience." —Pieter Vree, editor, New Oxford Review