As with the proverbial London bus, first one and then another book on Dr Lloyd-Jones. Both are by Welshmen who knew him and heard him and both are very positive about him. Both quote in full the newly available journal entries from 1930 and 1931 that cast light on the Doctor's spiritual struggles. Whereas Philip Eveson's book seeks to defend the Doctor that by Geoff Thoams seeks only to promote him. The latter is written as a series of letters to my nephew and Geoff's grandson, Osian Alsop (it is weid to find yourself being referred to in a book about Llotd-Jones as happens once or twice). Eveson wants to defend the Doctor, I think, on everything, whereas my father-in-law's approach is to appreciate everything ge can but to ignore or deny one or two things and two criticise in certain places in order to avoid hagiography. Geoff's book is much more anecdotal and personal and chatty, partly due to his format. Both books are worth reading and now become part of the body of literature that any PhD student will need to consult. Geoff's book is spoiled a little by one or two slips (eg Osian Alsop not Osian Brady, Thomas not William Chalmers, to say Hilperton is a plant of Bradford on Avon glosses over a great deal of hurt and agaony). I think Isian is reading it and I hope the other grandchildren will and many others. Let's hope it will do good.
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