Myrna Reid Grant is an Associate Professor at Wheaton Graduate School and wrote numerous books and magazine articles. She compiled and introduced the poets in this book, given to me Christmas 2004 by my wife, but we misplaced it and only recently found it.

Having a good and happy life is something everyone wants. But how can a person live a good and moral life in a culture where there are so many different opinions on what is right and what is wrong? In this collection of 229 poems, Myrna Reid Grant turns to the ancient concept of virtue – the “essential attitudes and habits” of the ancient Greek philosophers. The book is divided into seven sections, one for each virtue, and each one with a brief introduction by Grant.

The old English words for the seven cardinal virtues of Christianity are prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. In the passing of the centuries, the meanings of some of these words have changed – so, according to our current meanings, she chose instead to list the first four virtues (called “natural virtues” by those ancient Greek philosophers) as wisdom, justice, courage and moderation. The last three virtues (called “supernatural virtues” in the late Roman and medieval Christian worlds) are faith, hope, and love. Deciding where to place a given poem was not always easy to do, but I feel she did a superb job of it.

I think it is a simplification to say that people recognize these seven supreme virtues as what characterizes a civilized society. She says “A society that esteems values such as wisdom and courage is the only society where human dignity can exist. Reflecting on these values can help us to live the good and moral life we deserve. And what better way than through poetry? Poetry can cause us to think, and it also can startle and delight us, making us feel deeply.” The poems Myrna Reid Grantchose powerfully illustrate her thesis. I give this book my highest recommendation.