Francis J. Finn (1859–1928)

Join Tom Playfair in meeting a new boy who has just arrived at St. Maure's, Percy Wynn. Percy has grown up in a family of 10 girls and only 1 boy--himself! His manners are formal, he talks like a book, and he has never done anything remotely athletic. Yet he has brains, courage, and high Catholic ideals. Tom and his pals at St. Maure's befriend Percy and have a lively time as they all chip in to help turn Percy into a well-rounded all-American Catholic boy.

8. Tom Playfair, by Francis J. Finn, S.J.(read in 1936 or 1937) I read this book in 1936 or 1937. It was the first book by Father Finn which I read, and it was the first book he had published, in 1891. On page 389 of The Guide to Catholic Literature 1888-1940 it is shown that the book has 255 pages and its selling price was $1,25 and was publlshed by Benziger. The comment thereon is: "Tom is a thorough boy and his life in a Catholic boarding school is narrated in a lively style." The show more Catholic World in volume 64 at page 605 (Jan 1892) carried a note on the book. I know I was very caught up in the story when I read it--it was a book which we had at home and we did not have many books at our house.. I went on to read 10 more books by Father Finn--all I could lay hands on. show less

58. Mostly Boys, by Francis J. Finn, S.J. (read in 1939) This book consists of nine short stories and in all of the stories the charm of variety and the dash of hunting boyhood are kept up from start to finish, according to a note in the January 1895 issue of the Catholic World. I read all the stories with enjoyment in 1939, and none seemed dated to me!

77. Percy Wynn, by Francis J. Finn, S.J. (read in 1940) I remember I thoroughly enjoyed this book when I read it in 1940. In the June 1891 issue of the Catholic World the note on this book says "Percy Wynne is full of stirring scenes that in less skillful hands would have deteriorated into melodrama. The scene which depicts the death, by a military track, of the anarchist who has tried to rob Percy exhibits decided power and a strong powerful reticence." . The book is described as a story of show more exceptional merit. show less