Seven Books Recently Read

Robert Stephenson: an illustrated life (Shire) D J Smith

Having recently read the books on Telford and Brunel, it seemed obvious to turn next to the one on Robert Stephenson, which once again is brief, well illustrated and to the point. There are passing references to Telford and Brunel, and also Trevithick and Peto for that matter. I have known Stephenson as the inventor of the Rocket since childhood but I still could not explain to you why it was important. There were so many advances being made in the world of railways at the time that it gets bewildering. Stephenson seems a quiet man, diffident even. Like Brunel, he loved a good cigar. I had no idea he had spent time in South America.

Wind in the Willows (Chiltern) Kenneth Grahame

Just finished reading this lovely Chiltern Classics edition. I must have read it before now and been informed by the various TV versions that have come along at regular intervals. Like so much children's literature it was originally Kenneth Grahame's bed time stories for his son. I like the way that the chief animals (mole, rat, toad, badger) are perfectly human without any explanation and toad especially can interact with humans without any problem. Grahame is clearly a careful observer of creation and writes well. It is a very English book I guess and while reflecting its pre-Great War time, there is a timeless quality about it to some extent. It is a little mystical but has more to say about friendship than animism, I guess.

The Abiding Presence Hugh Martin (Christian Focus)

All my Christian life I have heard people recommend the writings of the 19th century Scots Presbyterian Hugh Martin but somehow I have never got round to reading anything by him. Then last month I was at a conference where one of his books was being given away to some and was only £5 to others and so I bought "The abiding presence" (originally Christ's presence in the Gospel history) and read it. The book begins by making the point that no ordinary book of memoirs concludes with the promise, ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’ But the biography of Jesus is no mere commemoration of the departed; his promise makes the Gospel account a living history. He explores things very carefully and helpfully and provides us with a brilliant book of teaching. I particularly liked the way he pointed out that when Christ was baptised, he identified with us sinners and when we are baptised, we identify with him. It has made me want to read his other books.

All the Knowledge in the World: The Extraordinary History of the Encyclopaedia Simon Garfield

I often enjoy books by journalist types and I have enjoyed other things by Simon Garfield. This cleverly written (he employs an alphabetical approach) survey of the history of encyclopaedias is right up my street. We never had Britannica though my mother would like to have bought it and we certainly had other things in the same sort of league (including some second hand Arthur Mees and some Grolier volumes as well as the Waverley one volume and the Collins modern). This paperback takes you all the way from the earliest books of knowledge through to Wikipedia which has come only in the last 25 years. It was so unpredictable and yet here it is. Truth is you can't cram knowledge into a bottle really and our ultimate need is wisdom not more knowledge. Very enjoyable read.

Life and Works of Munch Amanda O'Neill

I love this series of books. Somehow I missed this volume on Munch's existence until recently. The Norwegian is a fascinating artist well worthy of inclusion alongside Monet, Manet, Modigliani and the others. There is the usual three page introduction then a series of 40 or so wonderful reproductions with short comments for each. There is something rather sad about Munch's life and works and yet dignified and life affirming too.

Life and Works of Arcimboldo Diana Craig

Well illustrated and informative like the others in this lovely series of which there are over fifty. The formula is a three page intro and then short comments with the pictures that appear on every page practically. Arcimboldo is a sixteenth century artist who served the Holy Roman Emperors of his day and yet he is almost Surrealist in most of his works - no wonder they liked him. (There are also some pen and wash sketches that are quite different to the oils). Unusually in this volume there are some paintings not by the artist or dubious, demonstrating how he was often copied. One of his most famous surreal portraits may be of Calvin.

The Emotional Life of Our Lord (Crossway Short Classics) B B Warfield

With its William Morris cover and its bijou presentation, this work is a joy to hold and the content deserves such treatment. With a foreword by Sinclair Ferguson and the briefest of biographical notes, this piece by Warfield, which is not in his published works, is a real gem. In his usual surefooted style, he explores the Gospel references to Christ's emotions or affections and draws careful conclusions. It is a blessing to read such warm and sober reflection on matters that lie at the heart of the faith. I must check out the other items in the series.