Revelations

"Revelations", the Canongate collection of prefaces to the "Pocket Canons", published a few years ago; an event which produced a strong reaction from one evangelical group who tried to prosecute for blasphemy. So must be getting something right then. These are introductions to books of the Bible, written by an ecelectic group of people; Will Self, the Dalai Lama, Louis be Bernieres, etc and with a superb introduction to the whole book by Richard Holloway. This last is a small masterpeice, justifying at one and the same time the reading of biblical texts in the modern age, while also engaging one's brain, using science, literature, politics and indeed every other human discipline to shine light on ancient sacred texts.

Approximately the same number of people commit suicide in the UK as are killed on the roads. Uro Grasoff collected forty five suicide notes or letters, and reflects on them in his book, "Let me Finish". His introduction is superb and thought-provoking, casting light on a subject still taboo, especially for Christians, despite a long tradition of attempts at understanding the phenomenon (it was defended by the Scottish philosopher David Hume) and seeking to provide help and support for those facing such decisions (from Samaritans to the euthanasia clinics of Holland and other places).