Fixed Canon

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

This commentary by Dr. Peter S. Ruckman provides a detailed and conservative interpretation of the Book of Hebrews. It is designed to help readers understand the doctrine and significance of this biblical book, which is often considered one of the most misinterpreted. The commentary is part of The Bible Believer's Commentary Series and is intended for those interested in a literal and doctrinally sound analysis of the scripture.

In this classic dystopian novel, Ray Bradbury depicts a future American society where books are outlawed and 'firemen' are tasked with burning any discovered. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who starts to question his role after encountering Clarisse, a young girl who loves nature and reading. As Montag delves deeper into the world of books, he begins to see the emptiness of his life and the dangers of a society that values entertainment over critical thinking and intellectual freedom. With the help of Faber, a retired English professor, Montag rebels against the system, leading to a confrontation with his fire chief, Captain Beatty, and ultimately joining a group of intellectuals who have memorized books to preserve knowledge for a post-apocalyptic future.

Charlotte's Web, written by E.B. White, is a timeless children's classic that tells the story of Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a spider, who form an unlikely friendship. The story is set on a farm and revolves around the efforts of Charlotte to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. Through their relationship, the book explores themes of friendship, courage, self-sacrifice, and the natural cycle of life and death. The novel is known for its vivid depiction of farm life and its ability to address complex emotions and themes in a way that is accessible to children. The book has been widely acclaimed and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1952.

Peter Pan, written by J.M. Barrie, is a whimsical and enchanting tale that explores the themes of youthful innocence, perpetual youth, and the reluctance to grow up. The story follows Peter Pan, a free-spirited and mischievous boy who lives in Neverland, a magical island inhabited by fairies, mermaids, Native Americans, and pirates. Peter Pan whisks away the Darling children—Wendy, John, and Michael—to Neverland, where they engage in various adventures. The narrative delves into the contrast between childhood and adulthood, with Peter Pan representing the eternal child and Captain Hook embodying the fears and responsibilities of adulthood. The book also touches on themes of motherhood, as seen through Wendy's role as a surrogate mother to the Lost Boys, and the psychological aspects of Peter's inability to age, which may be linked to his possible status as a symbol of children who died young.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.