The City Allegories Series

If Dignity (formerly Pride) and Reason could only publish their book 'The Pride Story,' God would be glorified and, incidentally, they would make buckets of money. So why is security expert Miss Obscurity sabotaging their efforts? And does Reason's old friend Bits Bitterly really just want to help her find a path to publication, or does he have hidden motives for spending so much time with her?

When a house collapses in his Sandhill Street neighborhood, Dignity has to decide whether to offend his parents, Neglect and Folly, by telling them what really happens to the homeless of the City. But in dealing with Neglect, Folly, and some other disagreeable relatives, Dignity and Reason don't seem to comprehend how much they need the help of their young friend Gentleness. Meanwhile, Gentleness' high school classmate Wittily Dread is in fear that her family will be ruined financially. If the Dreads are to stay on the good side of Mr. and Mrs. Mammon, she knows she must stay away from Gentleness and all those Heavenites down the street in Grace House.

Dignity and Reason have suffered much stress and misery because of their cousin Guiles, his daughter Prevarica, and the rest of the Leasing family. Now Guiles leaves Dignity the responsibility for bankrupt and neglected Founders Grove park, and it will take miracles—and a really good lawyer—to get him out of this. As for the Leasings, when they land in terrible trouble, old Ambassador Grace advises Dignity and Reason to try to save them, and he offers the prospect of help from Heavenite secret agent Patience Orchard. The question is, would the cousins rather just be rid of the Leasings?

Young Mr. Pride marries Miss Doubt, causing grief to his cousin Miss Reason; and soon Doubt persuades Pride to welcome into Pride House her friends Worry, Tedium, and Confusion. Then, to make matters worse, Pride becomes infatuated with Miss Fame Vainglory, the City’s most desirable beauty, and will do anything to win her love. Though Reason could get help from Faith Orchard and her Heavenite family, it might cost the cousins their reputation as good citizens. Besides, the Orchards want her to consult with Pastor Truth, and she has never met such an opinionated man!