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Francis J. Finn, S.J.
Francis J. Finn, S.J. was an American Jesuit priest and author who lived from 1859 to 1928. He is best known for his books, which were primarily aimed at young Catholic boys, and are still popular today.
Finn was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1859, and was educated in Jesuit schools. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1878 and was ordained a priest in 1893. He went on to teach at several Jesuit schools, including Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio.
Finn's principles were deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, and he believed in the importance of instilling moral values in young people. He felt that literature was a powerful tool for achieving this, and his books were intended to help young Catholic boys develop a strong moral compass.
Finn's most famous works include "Tom Playfair," "Percy Wynn," and "Harry Dee," all of which were published between 1890 and 1915. These books were immensely popular with young Catholic boys, and Finn's writing style was praised for its engaging storytelling and vivid characters.
Finn's philosophy was centered around the idea that literature could be a powerful tool for teaching moral values. He believed that young people needed positive role models and that literature could provide these. Finn's books were filled with examples of characters who embodied the virtues of courage, honesty, and loyalty, and he hoped that these examples would inspire his readers to do the same.
Finn died in 1928, but his legacy lives on through his books, which continue to be read and enjoyed by young readers today. His writing has been praised for its engaging storytelling and strong moral values, and he remains an important figure in Catholic literature.
One interesting fact about Finn is that he was partially paralyzed in his later years, which made it difficult for him to write. However, he continued to write with the help of a secretary, and he never let his physical limitations stop him from pursuing his passion for literature.
In conclusion, Francis J. Finn, S.J. was a Jesuit priest and author who believed in the power of literature to teach moral values. His books, which were aimed at young Catholic boys, continue to be popular today, and his legacy as a writer and educator remains an important part of Catholic literature.
Books by Francis J. Finn, S.J.
Ethelred Preston; or, The Adventures of a Newcomer
The story follows the adventures of Ethelred Preston, a young boy who is sent to a Catholic boarding school after the death of his father. Ethelred struggles to adjust to his new surroundings, but with the help of his friends and mentors, he learns v...
Ada Merton
It is a captivating novel that takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the life of its titular character. Written by the esteemed author in the 20th century, this book offers an engaging narrative that explores themes of faith, friendship, and p...
That Football Game, and What Came of It
In "That Football Game, and What Came of It" by Francis J. Finn, S.J., the crackling excitement of a football match takes an unexpected turn, leading to a transformative journey for the young protagonist, Harry Vane. Follow the captivating tale of Ha...
Tom Playfair; or Making a Start
Tom Playfair; Or Making a Start is a book by a Roman Catholic priest, originally published in 1890, and written for youth ages 9-12.The story opens with 10-year-old Tom Playfair being quite a handful for his well-meaning but soft-hearted aunt. (Tom's...
Fairy of the Snows
Have you seen a human fairy? Meet Alice Morrow, the dainty fairy of the snows, who will dance her way right into your heart! Get ready to laugh and cry as you follow the antics and trials of the Morrow family, living in early 20th Century Cincinnati....
His First and Last Appearance
The scene of the story is laid partly in Milwaukee, partly in New York. It describes the trials of the orphaned Lachance children. The boy hero is of a loving and lovable disposition and wins the hearts of all. The author has combined pathetic incide...
That Office Boy
A new story by Father Finn! It will be glad news to many to learn that Father Finn has found time from his many duties to write a new story, and such a story! From the opening chapter to the last page of the book the interest never lags. The plot is...
Mostly Boys: Short Stories
A collection of tales about real life boys in every walk of life. They are redolent of the breezy spirit of healthy, jovial boyhood, and permeated with the author’s best brand of humor. (The Publishers Trade List Annual 1917) The author, Francis J....
Claude Lightfoot, or How the Problem Was Solved
Most of the boys in the Catholic school called Milwaukee College are engrossed with baseball and keeping up with their studies. When twelve year old Claude Lightfoot is transferred into the school, he has a rocky time of it. While Claude excels i...
Percy Wynn, or Making a Boy of Him
In this volume, which follows the author's popular book "Tom Playfair", a new boy is just arriving at St. Maure's boarding school. Percy Wynn has grown up as the only boy in a family of 10 girls. He has never played with boys before, and no one looki...
Harry Dee; or Making it Out
Harry Dee, a nervous, sensitive boy, given to somnambulism, arrives at St. Maure's following his experiences involving the murder of his rich uncle. Tom Playfair and Percy Wynn help to restore Harry to his former self, which includes solving "The My...
New Faces and Old: Short Stories
A small collection of short stories for children, written by the Catholic Jesuit priest, Fr. Finn. Some of his most well known characters make an appearance - Tom Playfair and Claude Lightfoot. (Summary by Maria Therese)
Best Foot Forward and Other Stories
A collection of 5 short stories for children, from the author of "Tom Playfair", "Claude Lightfoot", etc.. (Summary by Maria Therese)
Cupid of Campion
Before he becomes "Cupid of Campion" Clarence Esmond goes through a series of adventures quite equal in novelty to those in his favorite story-book "Treasure Island." In fact so many things happen—and such wonderful things—that the reader has difficu...