The Mansion (Henry van Dyke)

The Mansion

This little book is a powerful challenge, sending a quickening jolt to the very depths of some of the respectable-looking facades that we can put on. The Mansion takes a piercing look at John Weightman, one of the most “successful” men in New York, and his son, who desperately wants to find his way and be free to make his own mistakes rather than being played like pieces in a game of chess. A book to make you truly think.

Sometimes, we try hard to do things right; but when it comes down to it, we really should being asking ourselves why we do the things we do. This story is a powerhouse of self-examination, sending a jolt to the very depths of our self-respectable looking facade.

Character themes in this story: pride and willfulness.  Originally written in 1911.

Reader Review

“This quick read was easy and thought provoking. My 6 year old and I read through it in an hour or so by the fireplace on a Saturday afternoon. She and I both enjoyed it and the twist that left us with a great topic of conversation as to what it really means to ‘store up treasures in Heaven.” — John, Ravenna, Ohio

“The Mansion is a gem. What treasures are we storing up for when we are in Heaven??” — Heidi, Queensland, Australia

About the Author

Henry van Dyke was born in 1852 in Germantown, PA.  He graduated from Princeton University in 1873 and Princeton Seminary in 1877. He went on to serve there as Professor of English Literature for 24 years.  Professor van Dyke also enjoyed writing for youth, and authored The First Christmas Tree: A Story of the Forest.

Concerning the Lamplighter Rare Collector’s Series

Lamplighter books are carefully designed to draw children back to the Bible, to ensure that each story reflects the character of God.  Often, key Scriptures are referenced so that they may be stored in a child’s heart. Lamplighter volumes are recognizable right away by their beautiful, high-quality bindings.  But the other unique feature of a Lamplighter book, in contrast to other publications of the same title, is that the Lamplighter editions have been enhanced with helpful footnotes and woven with threads of Biblical truths that will be etched into an awakened moral conscience. These characteristics are what make our Lamplighter Collection so unique and highly valued.