A Studied Elegance

In this personal memoir, Bernard F. Reilly Ph.D. retired Villanova history professor and historian, takes the reader on a journey from Depression era Philadelphia, through WWII, the Vietnam years and into the 21st Century. In this retelling from childhood to octogenarian we experience his life as a Northeastern Catholic father, Villanova professor and husband. While distinctly a memoir, it is more than that. Professor Reilly's life experiences provide a unique window into pre- and post- WWII society and culture. In the process of raising his family, loving his wife of 69 years and pursuing historical documentation he illustrates a microcosm of a life and time that is quickly disappearing. The greatest generation? Perhaps. But looking into Bernard's life we understand a sort of different, more subtle heroics; a studied elegance.