The Elements of Rhetoric: How to Write and Speak Clearly and Persuasively – A Guide for Students, Teachers, Politicians and Preachers (Angelico Press, 2016)

“Ryan Topping has produced a guide accessible and useful to those of all ages and experience levels, in the classroom, the political setting, and the pulpit.”–Joseph R. Wood, Institute of World Politics, Washington, D.C., Former Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney

“This is a splendid introduction to what you need to know to communicate wisely and well.”–Quentin Schultze, Calvin College, author of An Essential Guide to Public Speaking

The Elements of Rhetoric is that rarest of rhetorical treats: a playfully serious and seriously playful summa of the art of communication–classical education at its very best!”–Raymond F. Hain, Providence College

“Leading by example, Topping delivers a handy guide for all of us who rely on the art of persuasion. The Elements of Rhetoric is a gem.”–Daniel B. Coupland, Hillsdale College, co-author of Well-Ordered Language: The Curious Child’s Guide to Grammar

“This is the book I have sought for 35 years. For those like me, for whom public speaking and writing is their stock-in-trade, this book is a must-have daily companion.”–Michael C. Gilleran, Business & IP Trial Lawyer & Partner, Burns & Levinson, LLP, Boston, MA

“This versatile guide can supplement course material from any discipline in order to help students polish presentations and essays.”–Ann Marie Klein, Department of Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas, MN

Renewing the Mind: A Reader in the Philosophy of Catholic Education  (Catholic University of America Press, 2015)Renewing the mind - image

“Dr. Topping’s anthology…will serve to advance this much-needed reflection on the identity of Catholic schools and universities…” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Vatican City

“The anthology’s strength is not only the comprehensive range of the readings but also the conscious and explicit use of Christian principles in judging the means and ends of education…” Don J. Briel, Founder and Director, Center for Catholic Studies, St. Thomas University, from the foreword

“Arguably, this book is simply the finest compendium of the best that has been written or said about education in Western Civilization.  If only one book were to be placed in the hands of teachers, administrators and board members, it should be this book.” William Edmund Fahey, Fellow & President, Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, NH

“This wonderful book is essential reading not only for those committed to genuine Catholic education, but also for those who refuse to acquiesce in the reigning education paradigm that merely trains students in various utilitarian competencies.  It clarifies the true ends of education in the Christian tradition and it sheds notable light on the means to accomplish them.  Renewing the Mind is a crucial text for those who understand that through Christian learning truths can be made to shine more brightly so that souls may be attracted to that which is Truth itself.  It will benefit greatly all who appreciate that authentic Christian education does not train the mind at the expense of the heart.” Wilson D. Miscamble, C.S.C., Professor of History, University of Notre Dame

“[T]he texts Dr. Topping has chosen demonstrate the simplicity and sophistication of education as an essential source of freedom.”Fr. Mario O. D’Souza CSB,  St. Michael’s University College, University of Toronto

“As the Church embarks on its New Evangelisation, it is essential to revisit our work in the field of education. Dr. Topping has done Catholic educators a tremendous service with this volume packed with interesting and relevant insights from those on whose shoulders we stand today.” Leonardo Franchi, Head of the St. Andrew’s Foundation, School of Education, University of Glasgow

 

 

The Case for Catholic Education: Why Parents, Teachers, and Politicians Should Reclaim the Principles of Catholic Pedagogy (Angelico Press, 2015)

“The Case for Catholic Education speaks to the heart of the debate over whether Catholic education is ‘worth it'” Sr. John Mary Fleming, O.P. ,Executive Director for Catholic Education, USCCB, from the foreword

“Ryan Topping is one of today’s most exciting and dynamic writers. In his latest book he tackles the crucial subject of education with a delightful lucidity which is both engaged and engaging. This is an accessible and eminently readable book on a topic which no Catholic can afford to ignore.” Joseph Pearce, Aquinas College, Nashville ,TN

“In The Case for Catholic Education Ryan Topping strikes that rarest balance between erudition and clarity…Every Catholic educator and school administer should read and re-read this book.” Jason West, President and Academic Dean, Newman Theological College, Edmonton, AB

St. Augustine 2nd ed. (Bloomsbury Press, 2014)9781472504883

“In all respects, Topping’s work is of real interest and value and it provides both a resource and a challenge for those thinking about what we need and can hope for in the development of liberal education” John Haldane, Gifford Lecturer, and author of Faithful Reason, from the Foreword

“Topping’s analysis of Augustine’s influence is realistic, identifying limitations as well as strengths in his educational philosophy. This realism strengthens the application of Augustinian ideas to contemporary debates about the university.” Vivian Boland, O.P., Director of the Aquinas Institute, Oxford University

“Topping’s writing is eloquent yet accessible, and his mastery of the subject extends not only to Augustine but to the cultural and intellectual milieu of our own day…”Michael P. Foley, Associate Professor of Patristics, Baylor University

In the company of St Augustine, Ryan Topping does battle with the skepticism that denies education its proper role in the pursuit of happiness and makes of it instead an exercise in apathy.”Douglas Farrow, Kennedy Smith Chair in Catholic Studies, McGill University, Canada

“a treasury of insightful meditations on the state of higher education, especially Catholic higher education, and what the future of Catholic studies may be.” B. C. Catholic

 

1362056100-6a00d83451b7c369e2017d41433fce970c-800wiRebuilding Catholic Culture: How the Catechism Can Shape our Common Life  (Sophia Institute Press, 2012)

“This book deserves to take its place among the Catholic classics.”Fr. Aidan Nichols, OP, Prior of Blackfriars, Cambridge, from the Foreword

“This extraordinary book should be read by every Catholic parent, pastor, educator, politician — in fact, everyone.”Michael O’Brien, Author of A Father’s Tale: A Novel

 “This profound work of scholarship is a delight to read. It is shot through with gentle humor, and has a Chestertonian sense of paradox and irony. His exposition of the liturgy is particularly powerful.” Fr. John Saward, Oxford University, and author of Sweet and Blessed Country

“Rebuilding Catholic Culture is a lively and readable work of apologetics. Topping combines a breadth of scope with an elegance of style, producing dozens of memorable insights and epigrammatic sentences.” Phil Lawler, CatholicCulture.org

“What Topping provides in this brief but powerful book is a blueprint for a new Christendom…” Thaddeus Kozinski, Phd.St. Austin Review

“…he manages a succinct analysis of the current situation and the way we got here, as well as proposing a solution to the secular Western culture that surrounds us, all in fewer than 250.” Jennifer NowellKairos Catholic Journal, Melbourne, Australia

 

  Happiness and Wisdom: Augustine’s Early Theology of Education (Catholic University of America Press, 2012)

“This is one of the finest studies of the early Augustine to emerge in recent years, admirable for its balance, the quality of research, and its sage judgment”John Cavadini, Associate Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

 “The book is written with the passionate conviction that education pursued with [noble] ideals can still provide a model for the academy today and above all for the communication of Christian values which have hitherto provided the only stable foundation for liberal societies.” Mark Edwards, University Lecturer in Patristics, Oxford University