The Black Death
- 356 pages
- 13 hours of reading
How the people of a typical English village lived and died in the worst epidemic in history.
John S. Hatcher is a distinguished author whose literary output draws from a profound engagement with English literature, philosophy, and theology. His writing is characterized by penetrating insights into complex ideas, connecting them with deeper spiritual and philosophical currents. As a professor emeritus of English literature and a sought-after lecturer, Hatcher brings a rich academic background to his work, presenting intricate concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.


How the people of a typical English village lived and died in the worst epidemic in history.
Why do spiritual beings--human souls--begin their lives in the physical world? According to well-known Baha'i author, scholar, and educator John Hatcher, the world is a classroom designed by God to instigate and nurture mental and spiritual growth. The Purpose of Physical Reality examines the components of this classroom to show how everyday experience leads to spiritual insight. Viewing life in this way, we can learn to appreciate the overall justice of God's plan and the subtle interplay between human free will and divine assistance in unleashing human potential. The idea of physical reality as a divine teaching device not only prepares us for further progress in the life beyond, it also provides practical advice about how to attain spiritual and intellectual understanding while we are living on earth.