This is the third book I have read in this series and the high standard is maintained. Once again it is not an easy read but it is a comprehensive one and very informative about all aspects of England and its life in the years covered.This is of course the period of the transition from the old to the modern world. The First World War changed everything and its course and impact are well detailed. On the way some modern myths are demolished and one understands how such a huge loss of life could occur from a mainly volunteer army. Between 1909 and 1915 Winchester school had 5439 boys leaving the school. 5431 volunteered for service. One also learns how the upper classes suffered the greater losses proportionately. 21% of Old Etonians in the forces were killed, 26% wounded. Contrast this with 12% of all British combatants killed.
2. Little Book of Cricket Legends by Ralph
Reading this while we were losing the Ashes reminded me of the glory days of cricket. Here are one's heroes of old though of course one has a grumble at who is in and who is left out. Why no Rhodes or Boycott? Why include Flintoff? He is too contemporary for legend status, especially now the debacle down under. But it is an enjoyable read evoking lovely memories of many international cricketers.
3. Big bear and the Blue Button by Stephanie Laylor
Good to teach children colours and shapes.
4. Daisy's First Sunflower by Emma Damon
Fun to read to my granddaughter. Comes complete with a chart to measure children and sunflowers.
5. Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival by Michael A.G. Haykin
This has to be the next best thing to reading Edwards and a lot easier. This is a great introduction to the man, his times, and his theology of revival and true spirituality.Edwards is generally recognised as America's greatest theologian . Experiencing revival he was in the best position to examine what of a genuine work of the Holy Spirit in revival and in the life of the individual. We can look with the certainty of history and see there was real revival at this time. living through it, things were not so clear. This uncertainty at the time is well described here. Edwards "Faithful Narrative"s of the revival is examined as is the "Religious Affection" which looks at what is genuine Christian experience. Haykin also explains why Edwards and nearly all his contemporaries believed the extraordinary gifts of the holy Spirit ceased with the days of the apostles. Extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit's power certainly did not. The legacy of Edwards is seen in the account of his "Humble Attempt" to promote concerts of prayer which lead to the modern missionary movement.
6. Whose Nose Feet and Ears? - Jeanette Rowe
More fun reading to my granddaughters
7.The Brave Ones - Tom Kerins
ditto
8. I Like Me - Nancy Carlson
Seems to encourage children to put themselves at the centre of their world, a most unnecessary encouragement.
9. The Wild Woods - Simon James
10. The Little House - Virginia Lee Burton
A story of urbanisation for children.
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