Pilgrimage to John Clare’s cottage.

I’m a bit of a fan of the poetry of John Clare, the 19th Century peasant poet. Since my parents live quite close to his home village of Helpston, we managed to arrange a dual visit on 31st March.

Review of “Why call me God?” By J.H.Hatfield.

I came to read this book by an extraordinary encounter. I was speaking at my local Humanist Group on “Darwinism and Religion” a month or two back. At a couple of points in my talk I was interrupted by a member of the audience who went off on a rather long rant about what Genesis [...]

Review of “A month in the country” by J. L. Carr.

Described now as a modern classic, I was introduced to this slim volume by my mother about ten years ago, and developed a strong affinity for it. I often take it with me when I travel, and probably read it a couple of times a year.

Reflections on Autumn

Weather and mood: autumn’s here. Here are a couple of my favourite musings on the topic.

Book review: Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells by Alfred Wainwright

Last month I finished reading the last of Wainwright’s “Pictorial Guides”; the end of an Odyssey only slightly shorter than the Odyssey of actually writing them in the first place.

Perfectly irresponsible: a Review of “Perfect Freedom: why liberal Christianity might be the faith you’re looking for” by Brian Mountford

I was recommended this book by a friend who considers themselves a liberal Christian, whom I like a lot, and I know this person to be sensible, thoughtful and well educated. So I was expecting to be impressed.

Review of “The Greatest Show on Earth” by Richard Dawkins

It’s been a while since my last book review and I’ve read lots of books in the intervening time, so it’s time I put fingers to keyboard again. I was given this book by my mother, who probably found it at a discount somewhere, but was very glad to read it as I generally enjoy [...]

Review of “Humanism: an Introduction” by Jim Herrick

Humanism, an Introduction is a small (100 page) tome designed to make clear to the uninitiated what Humanism is all about. The book is divided into 13 fairly small chapters, which each make good reading at a single sitting.

Review of “Why Jesus” by Nicky Gumbel

“Why Jesus?” is a 20 page pamphlet designed as a short introduction to Christianity.

Review of “The Butterfly Isles” by Patrick Barkham

Just finished reading this. What did I think?