Fiction, biography and a professional development guide make up this month's pick of alumni-penned works. 1. Author Kenneth Bragan Degree Medicine Book The Making of a Saint The Making of a Saint: A Psychological Study of the Life of Thomas Merton is the true story of the American priest and Catholic writer who lived from 1915 to 1968. Thomas Merton wrote more than 70 books on spirituality, pacifism and social justice. His words have influenced a generation of men to enter monasteries. Author Kenneth Bragan asks how a man who had an emotionally deprived and traumatic childhood could find the strength to enter a monastery and become such a spiritual master. This uplifting and powerful book provides a psychoanalytic explanation for the strength Merton found to rise up out of his difficult adolescence. But the author believes that more than psychology is required to understand Merton’s spiritual growth. Merton’s journals display not only the healing power of Christ, but also the healing power of writing. The Making of a Saint 2. Author Daniel Pembrey Cooper Degree Economic and Social History Book Night Market When Henk van der Pol is asked by the Justice Minister to infiltrate a team investigating an online child exploitation network, he can hardly say no – he’s at the mercy of prominent government figures in The Hague. But he soon realises the case is far more complex than he was led to believe. Picking up from where The Harbour Master ended, this new investigation sees Detective Van der Pol once again put his life on the line as he wades the murky waters between right and wrong in his search for justice. Night Market Daniel Pembrey Cooper's Alumni Profile 3. Author Eve Poole Degree MBA Book Leader-smithing Leadership is in danger of becoming a tired phrase in the world of management – it may sound cerebral and important, but more often comes across as static and trite. Which might explain why so many 'leaders' feel like imposters; they may have a vision or masterplan, but the reality is daily messiness, acute uncertainty and fragile loyalty from team members. Often, they have been parachuted in to transform a complex situation, or promoted in unexpected circumstances. Are there more effective ways in which people can learn the art of being a great leader? Being an effective leader is about the daily grind, and it is a far from glamorous existence, but it can be hugely rewarding if leaders are realistic about the choices they face. In many trades and professions, mastery of the subject can take a lifetime; leadership is no different. An apprenticeship approach can breathe life into the development of leaders, day in, day out. Using insights gained by Ashridge Business School about how leaders really learn, Leader-smithing guides readers through the process of becoming more precisely job-ready and more effectively resourced for the challenges they face. The result is a more confident leader, more perceptive as to their vocation and mandate, and able to maintain the most effective position at the very top of their game. Leader-smithing Your book If you are a member of the alumni community and have recently published a book, we would be delighted to include it in the Alumni Bookshelf. Email the details to Brian Campbell: Email Brian Campbell Please note All of the further information links listed are the external websites of the book publisher, the author, or the bookseller. The University of Edinburgh is not responsible for the content and functionality of these sites. This article was published on 2024-10-28
