What do you think?
Rate this book
The King of the Golden City
Product Description:
The King of the Golden City is a fascinating tale which breathes into the heart of the child a deep understanding of Holy Communion and an intimate love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Originally published in 1921, this classic tale has long been a favorite of young and old. This quality gift edition, featuring 8 full color paintings, is a perfect book for preparing and celebrating a child's First Holy Communion. While this book is a beautiful preparation for First Holy Communion, it is so powerful that it is recommended to be studied again in 5th grade using the comprehension questions.
This book was originally written for a young child who asked Mother Loyola what she must do to prepare for her First Holy Communion. The child asked for a story with hidden messages. Guide your child in discovering the full meaning of this allegory with The King of the Golden City Study Guide which may be downloaded from Free Catholic Curricula.
120 pages. 6" x 9" Softcover. 8 full color paintings. Shrink-wrapped. ISBN 0-9764691-0-3
The King of the Golden City is a fascinating tale which breathes into the heart of the child a deep understanding of Holy Communion and an intimate love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Originally published in 1921, this classic tale has long been a favorite of young and old. This quality gift edition, featuring 8 full color paintings, is a perfect book for preparing and celebrating a child's First Holy Communion. While this book is a beautiful preparation for First Holy Communion, it is so powerful that it is recommended to be studied again in 5th grade using the comprehension questions.
This book was originally written for a young child who asked Mother Loyola what she must do to prepare for her First Holy Communion. The child asked for a story with hidden messages. Guide your child in discovering the full meaning of this allegory with The King of the Golden City Study Guide which may be downloaded from Free Catholic Curricula.
120 pages. 6" x 9" Softcover. 8 full color paintings. Shrink-wrapped. ISBN 0-9764691-0-3
120 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 1921
21 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Mary Loyola
42 books11 followersMother Mary Loyola was born Elizabeth Giles in London in 1845, the second of 6 children in a family of strict Protestants. Her father was a grain dealer on the London Stock Exchange, and they lived a comfortable life. But 1850s London—the London of Dickens—was dirty, overcrowded and rife with infectious disease. When she was just nine years old, her baby brother fell ill, and within weeks, Scarlet Fever had claimed not only his life, but those of her elder sister and both her parents.
Still ill and reeling from the shock of the loss, Elizabeth and her remaining siblings were taken in by an uncle, Samuel Giles, who had converted to the Catholic faith. The Oxford Movement had recently brought many distinguished converts to the Church, and in the company of her uncle, Elizabeth profited from the sermons of Cardinal Manning and the hymns of Father Faber. After entering the Church in 1854, she attended the Bar Convent School in York, one of the finest in England.
When she had finished her studies there, she felt called to the religious life, and in 1866 decided to return to the Bar Convent, this time as a Sister. For many years she taught in the convent school, even serving as Headmistress and Mother Superior for a time.
Because of her exceptional teaching ability, she was encouraged by Father John Morris, S.J. to write a book for children preparing for First Communion. It was issued anonymously in 1896 as part of the Jesuit Quarterly Series, but it quickly became so popular that she was persuaded to publish it, and all her subsequent books, in her own name.
It was her ability to draw in her listeners with story after story—and not just any stories, but ones that incorporated current events and brand new inventions of the time—that made her writing so innovative. Despite the fact that those events are no longer current, and those inventions no longer brand new, her books scintillate with the appeal of an active mind that could find a moral in the most unusual places.
There were no limits to her missionary zeal—she was known to employ her skill with anyone who would listen, even including the furnace repairman toiling away in the cellar of the convent. She started up a branch of the Boy’s Brigade in York, running it herself for ten years, and its popularity was a testament to her exceptional ability to incorporate elements of faith and morality into the most unexpected activities. Many of her beloved boys would later serve in the First World War, and sadly, some did not return.
Her correspondence was extensive, but it was one particular letter that prompted what would become perhaps her most popular work. A young boy asked her to write him a story that would sum up what he had learned in his Catechism. With characteristic aplomb, she obliged him with The King of the Golden City in 1921. It was a crowning pinnacle to her decades of writing, incorporating the bulk of her prior insight and weaving it all deftly together in allegorical fashion.
But she was far from finished with her writing career. A serious fall in 1923 resulted in a hip fracture, and confined her to bed. She bore the pain with grace, using the time to write more books and a profusion of pamphlets for organizations such as the Catholic Truth Society. It was just before Christmas in 1930 when she passed peacefully from this world to the next, bringing an end to her suffering and to a life spent in the service of our Lord.
Her work continued to be popular after her death, but as times changed, they fell out of use and out of print. Despite her status as a beloved author, little was preserved of her history or belongings, as was common for religious of that period. It is only in the last two decades that her work has been rediscovered, particularly through The King of the Golden City, and painstaking genealogical research has revealed much of what we know her early life. Much more remains to be brought to
Still ill and reeling from the shock of the loss, Elizabeth and her remaining siblings were taken in by an uncle, Samuel Giles, who had converted to the Catholic faith. The Oxford Movement had recently brought many distinguished converts to the Church, and in the company of her uncle, Elizabeth profited from the sermons of Cardinal Manning and the hymns of Father Faber. After entering the Church in 1854, she attended the Bar Convent School in York, one of the finest in England.
When she had finished her studies there, she felt called to the religious life, and in 1866 decided to return to the Bar Convent, this time as a Sister. For many years she taught in the convent school, even serving as Headmistress and Mother Superior for a time.
Because of her exceptional teaching ability, she was encouraged by Father John Morris, S.J. to write a book for children preparing for First Communion. It was issued anonymously in 1896 as part of the Jesuit Quarterly Series, but it quickly became so popular that she was persuaded to publish it, and all her subsequent books, in her own name.
It was her ability to draw in her listeners with story after story—and not just any stories, but ones that incorporated current events and brand new inventions of the time—that made her writing so innovative. Despite the fact that those events are no longer current, and those inventions no longer brand new, her books scintillate with the appeal of an active mind that could find a moral in the most unusual places.
There were no limits to her missionary zeal—she was known to employ her skill with anyone who would listen, even including the furnace repairman toiling away in the cellar of the convent. She started up a branch of the Boy’s Brigade in York, running it herself for ten years, and its popularity was a testament to her exceptional ability to incorporate elements of faith and morality into the most unexpected activities. Many of her beloved boys would later serve in the First World War, and sadly, some did not return.
Her correspondence was extensive, but it was one particular letter that prompted what would become perhaps her most popular work. A young boy asked her to write him a story that would sum up what he had learned in his Catechism. With characteristic aplomb, she obliged him with The King of the Golden City in 1921. It was a crowning pinnacle to her decades of writing, incorporating the bulk of her prior insight and weaving it all deftly together in allegorical fashion.
But she was far from finished with her writing career. A serious fall in 1923 resulted in a hip fracture, and confined her to bed. She bore the pain with grace, using the time to write more books and a profusion of pamphlets for organizations such as the Catholic Truth Society. It was just before Christmas in 1930 when she passed peacefully from this world to the next, bringing an end to her suffering and to a life spent in the service of our Lord.
Her work continued to be popular after her death, but as times changed, they fell out of use and out of print. Despite her status as a beloved author, little was preserved of her history or belongings, as was common for religious of that period. It is only in the last two decades that her work has been rediscovered, particularly through The King of the Golden City, and painstaking genealogical research has revealed much of what we know her early life. Much more remains to be brought to
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 6, 2013
Don't be fooled by the fact that this book is for children. Or by the fact that it was written in 1921. It is BEAUTIFUL. It's an allegory of the interior life, told as a fairy tale about a little girl's relationship with the King and how He and her Prince Guardian teach her to know and love Him during her journey towards the Golden City. It is truly lovely and will be full of meaning for both kids and parents.
October 7, 2021
I loved this so much! It was sweet, and so beautiful. I think if more people read 'Children's books' the world would be a happier place. I also really like allegory (sorry Tolkien...) and this is an allegory.
I cannot say how much I love this book! (I may have felt a pang of guilt in the bit about sleeping in *nervous laugh*)
I cannot say how much I love this book! (I may have felt a pang of guilt in the bit about sleeping in *nervous laugh*)
May 23, 2019
Beautiful allegory of our journey to heaven and the trials, tribulations, and love on the way.
February 5, 2017
If you didn't read this as a kid, you should read it as an adult---and read it to your own kids.
April 20, 2024
King of the Golden City is a clever story instructing children of all ages about their relationship with Jesus, their guardian angel, the people around them, and their relationship with themselves. The story focuses on this proper divine order in a way that is easily understandable and seldom taught.
I read this story to our son because the Victorian style of writing is frankly foreign to modern children. But as I read, I had to stop from time to time and realize how much I was learning simple truths. I kept telling him how I wished this story had been taught to me as a child, and that he should re-read this at different times and ages in his life.
The subject of bearing sufferings and difficulties is addressed in an easily understandable way, and with hope. Helping those in purgatory and final perseverance are also covered with hope and clarity.
I think this book shouldn’t be overlooked - for both parents and children. It’s very valuable and I’m happy that it’s still in print, especially given the current quality of modern catechesis and literature in general.
April 22, 2025
Really 4.5 stars. This is a short allegorical tale of a girl who grows in holiness through time spent with the King and the help of her Prince Guardian. It is intended for children and would be appropriate for them to read, especially as they receive their First Holy Communion.
The only caution is that the language is older and the metaphors can take a bit to connect. It would be helpful for an adult to pre read this in order to guide younger readers’ understanding of the allegory and its deeper meaning.
Overall, an enjoyable read for all ages!
The only caution is that the language is older and the metaphors can take a bit to connect. It would be helpful for an adult to pre read this in order to guide younger readers’ understanding of the allegory and its deeper meaning.
Overall, an enjoyable read for all ages!
March 13, 2023
Read with my son, we enjoyed this beautiful allegory of the mercy and love Christ has for us, and how he prepares us to come to His kingdom. Highly recommend for children preparing for their first reconciliation.
February 7, 2023
We read this in preparation for First Communion this year. This was a beautiful book, and it did a good job of reaching my 8yo as far as teaching about God and Heaven and our mission here on earth.
"I liked how Dilecta got to go to the Golden City at the end. Her guardian angel helped her to decide what to do and helped protect her. The king loved her no matter what." - Emma, age 8
"I liked how Dilecta got to go to the Golden City at the end. Her guardian angel helped her to decide what to do and helped protect her. The king loved her no matter what." - Emma, age 8
March 7, 2024
This is how an allegory story should be written. A lovely read for me, even if a story for Children, I still really enjoyed it. Another great read for Lent, for me. I wish I had more of these books when a Child. So, anyone who wants to teach their Children about faith, and there loving Creator – Heavenly Father, this is a great book.
June 7, 2024
Good. I don’t love allegories, but they do have a place in literature. Kids enjoyed it but struggled a bit to understand the “real” story behind the allegory. We discussed each chapter briefly to help them see through it and be helped by the allegory. They’re still young and pretty literal tho. Definitely better than Pilgrim’s Progress which I read many years ago and did not enjoy.
December 13, 2024
My children thoroughly enjoyed reading about Dilecta, and they always wanted to read more -- a sure sign of a good story. I thought it was a great analogy, depicting in a very concrete way the spiritual realities of this life for children to understand.
October 17, 2021
Got this as a gift from one of my youth group families. Very heavy allegory, but beautifully written.
January 29, 2022
I liked it!
March 22, 2022
Read aloud. Unclear how much the girls absorbed but I enjoyed it a lot and found it thought provoking. It will be fun to revisit this later when they are a little older
Read
July 6, 2022Hits different a second time
July 15, 2023
a beautiful reflection on baptism
August 1, 2023
I liked how Dilecta got to go to the Golden City at the end. Her guardian angel helped her to decide what to do and helped protect her. The king loved her no matter what. (age 8)
January 25, 2025
A fantastic allegory for children of all ages- even the young at heart. Highly recommend for those preparing for their first reconciliation.
November 11, 2025
Incredible- the kids seemed to grasp it, especially with discussion.
I found myself reflecting on the chapters in my own spiritual life!
I found myself reflecting on the chapters in my own spiritual life!
July 25, 2022
6 year old gave it 5 stars
April 9, 2021
73/100 (= 3.6/6) ≈ 3 Stars
-----------------------------------------
2nd Reading: Read the version for boys as a preparation for Peter's First Holy Communion. I was actually quite underwhelmed this time around. It's an interesting allegory to read as an older person, but it's just simply not the gripping book to pull in the young kids, captivating them in order to instruct them. It doesn't have a plot!! There's something about stories that are much more powerful with kids. I resolved a few chapters in to follow up with Tom Playfair (which is turning out to be a much much better First Communion preparation).
-----------------------------------------
Really great! Catechism in symbolic/story form. Looking forward to reading this one to the kids!! It's an extremely ambitious thing to try to write, and though she did a fabulous job, it's understandably not perfect. Who could expect someone to sum up all of the unfathomable mysteries of God in a short little fairy tale of 120 pgs? Still, definitely worth the read! Hope to read some more of her writings...
-----------------------------------------
2nd Reading: Read the version for boys as a preparation for Peter's First Holy Communion. I was actually quite underwhelmed this time around. It's an interesting allegory to read as an older person, but it's just simply not the gripping book to pull in the young kids, captivating them in order to instruct them. It doesn't have a plot!! There's something about stories that are much more powerful with kids. I resolved a few chapters in to follow up with Tom Playfair (which is turning out to be a much much better First Communion preparation).
-----------------------------------------
Really great! Catechism in symbolic/story form. Looking forward to reading this one to the kids!! It's an extremely ambitious thing to try to write, and though she did a fabulous job, it's understandably not perfect. Who could expect someone to sum up all of the unfathomable mysteries of God in a short little fairy tale of 120 pgs? Still, definitely worth the read! Hope to read some more of her writings...
February 17, 2021
Great allegory, not much plot but the point is just to be a beautiful allegory for boys to feel closer to Jesus especially in the Eucharist. Great reminder for adults too
February 2, 2021
It changed my life and makes you think about little sacrifices and efforts as opportunities for ways to get to heaven and how you want to do what God wants and not what you want - Firecracker
June 11, 2021
What a great book for young people (and old) to help them learn about growing in holiness. Truly a perfect gift for First Communion (I like the edition with pictures).
Edit: After this latest (third!) reading, I’d continue to recommend this to young ones, but even more to the old. Read it with your children, and then again with them a couple years later, and again before they leave home. So much here has settled into my daily thoughts on Eucharist, and preparation, and this pilgrimage we are on.
Note, there is one sentence that shows its age (written in 1921) and inadvertent racism. In Chapter 12, there is a fair with various temptations of the world and its attractive things: “Here were men and women, dark-skinned and gypsy-looking, selling all kinds of jewelry of wonderful brilliance and cheapness.” This is the only sentence I disliked, and it would be better to have a conversation or skip over it than to throw the whole allegory out because of it.
Edit: After this latest (third!) reading, I’d continue to recommend this to young ones, but even more to the old. Read it with your children, and then again with them a couple years later, and again before they leave home. So much here has settled into my daily thoughts on Eucharist, and preparation, and this pilgrimage we are on.
Note, there is one sentence that shows its age (written in 1921) and inadvertent racism. In Chapter 12, there is a fair with various temptations of the world and its attractive things: “Here were men and women, dark-skinned and gypsy-looking, selling all kinds of jewelry of wonderful brilliance and cheapness.” This is the only sentence I disliked, and it would be better to have a conversation or skip over it than to throw the whole allegory out because of it.
Read
July 24, 2008An allegorical tale about our spiritual journey/relationship with Christ. Can be read on many levels. I first used it in my daughters' preparations for their First Communions. Reread this time for my own spiritual benefit. Although King of the Golden City can be read by children, I think it is more beneficial for adults. Or am I still such a spiritual child? Hmmmmm....? Best parts are the discussions on dealing with 'Self' and feelings. Not a book which it is appropriate to assign ratings to. Rather I will say, if you are looking for a quick spiritual work-out which you will spend the rest of your life working on, you couldn't go wrong with this one.
August 27, 2014
I’m glad I read this book, but I’ll be honest: it wasn’t my favorite read. (Hence the 4 stars. That’s more a reflection of “what Sarah doesn’t so much care for” as anything else.)
When I started reading it aloud to my kids in a pinched moment at Adoration last week (I hadn’t intended to, honestly), I had a glimpse of the brilliance of this book. I plan to revisit it with them and see how that changes my opinion of it.
When I started reading it aloud to my kids in a pinched moment at Adoration last week (I hadn’t intended to, honestly), I had a glimpse of the brilliance of this book. I plan to revisit it with them and see how that changes my opinion of it.
June 20, 2018
This book was a childhood favorite and rereading it I realize why.
If you are a Catholic, (or even a Christian) this book is a must read.
It is a beautifully brilliant analogy paralleling the lives of its readers will the story of young Floss. She learns what she must do to please her King and one day to enter his Golden City.
It is directed towards a young audience (6-8) but I really enjoyed it rereading it at 16 and I am sure adult readers could cherish it as well.
If you are a Catholic, (or even a Christian) this book is a must read.
It is a beautifully brilliant analogy paralleling the lives of its readers will the story of young Floss. She learns what she must do to please her King and one day to enter his Golden City.
It is directed towards a young audience (6-8) but I really enjoyed it rereading it at 16 and I am sure adult readers could cherish it as well.
February 24, 2025
2024-2024 Update: This is the second time I've read this book aloud to my kids, first to my girls and this time to my boys. At first it seemed too simple, the allegory too transparent. But as the chapters continued, my heart was so touched and convicted through the straight-forward prose and faith-filled truths presented. 4.5*
February 14, 2025
Reading this book the second time, since elementry school; so much more stuck out to me! Although this book was written for a younger audience, It is a gem and an inspiring read for all.
(Just a note, I've been in a spiritual reading slump- JP2 writtings are a bit to much on my overloaded brain... This book was just a little above 100 pages, and a book to pull you out of the trenchs ;)
(Just a note, I've been in a spiritual reading slump- JP2 writtings are a bit to much on my overloaded brain... This book was just a little above 100 pages, and a book to pull you out of the trenchs ;)
November 26, 2020
Belongs in every house. Amazing alligory that highlights how much God loves us. Can be read to small children as well as those old enough to "figure it out". Adults will get a lot out of this as well. Would make a perfect First Communion or God-child gift. Can't recommend enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews