Vision Forum proudly publishes volumes 1-12 of Martha Finley’s original Elsie Dinsmore series. With the help of Faith and Freedom tour guide and Vision Forum narrator, Bill Potter, we have also placed volumes 1-3 on audiocassette. The stories reflect the strong Calvinistic sensibilities of the author, are overtly Christian from beginning to end, and remain as captivating today as they were when they sold millions of copies in the nineteenth century. Theological criticisms have been lodged against Elsie by some Anabaptists who disagree with the strong emphasis on biblical law and the sovereignty of God, or who consider it inappropriate that the protagonist comes from a wealthy family. Others have objected to the perspective of these antebellum Christian novels which favorably paint a picture of the southern household. Still others have objected to the position taken by Elsie to obey the Ten Commandments even when such obedience went against the advice of unbelieving authority figures. In our view, these novels are enormously encouraging books that reinforce a courageous and virtuous perspective on Christian girlhood. Below is a note we received from one home-school mom yesterday:

We just had to let you know how our daughter has devoured the first book on tape of Elsie Dinsmore. She received this as a gift on Christmas morning and had all six tapes completed by New Years Eve! She would retire to her room by 7pm each night just to hear it! The next day she would talk about Elsie and how good she is at only eight! I found her reading her Bible two times without being told! THANK YOU for putting these on tape! Will you be putting all the series on tape? I hope so! Please let me know! A grateful home! The Freemans