July 2019

Cookery, theology, fiction, and something for the kids. Enjoy this month's alumni-authored literature.

1.

Author

Stephen Cowley

Degree

PhD Divinity

Book

Rational Piety and Social Reform in Glasgow: The Life, Philosophy, and Political Economy of James Mylne

James Mylne (1757-1839) taught moral philosophy and political economy in Glasgow from 1797 to the mid-1830s. Rational Piety and Social Reform in Glasgow offers readers Mylne's biography, a summary of his lectures on moral philosophy and political economy, several interpretative essays, and a collation of his introductory lecture. Mylne's moral philosophy lectures cover the intellectual and active powers of man and offer an account of his duties to God, neighbor, and self. He diverges from the "moral sense" and "common sense" traditions associated with Francis Hutcheson and Thomas Reid in Glasgow. He reinstates reason as the guiding principle of conscience and argues for utility as the predominant criterion of morality. Mylne was also active among the Whig "friends of Mr. Fox" and in the Glasgow Reform Association, for his theory of the sovereignty of reason drove his view of political reform and the concept of value in his lectures on political economy. In a criticism of Adam Smith, Mylne interprets use-value as prior to exchange value, founding it in lawful desires identifiable by a merchant community. Mylne's political opinions and activity among local political reformers and literary societies exemplify the Glasgow Whig tradition.

Rational Piety and Social Reform in Glasgow

 

2.

Author

Laura Davidson

Degree English
Book

The Routledge Handbook of International Development, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health has always been a low priority worldwide. Yet more than 650 million people are estimated to meet diagnostic criteria for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, with almost three-quarters of that burden in low- and middle-income countries. Nowhere in the world does mental health enjoy parity with physical health. Notwithstanding astonishing medical advancements in treatments for physical illnesses, mental disorder continues to have a startlingly high mortality rate. However, despite its widespread neglect, there is now an emerging international imperative to improve global mental health and wellbeing. The UN’s current international development agenda finalised at the end of 2015 contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. Although much broader in focus than the previous eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the need for worldwide improvement in mental health has finally been recognised. This Handbook addresses the new UN agenda in the context of mental health and sustainable development, examining its implications for national and international policy-makers, decision-makers, researchers and funding agencies. Conceptual, evidence-based and practical discussions crossing a range of disciplines are presented from the world’s leading mental health experts. Together, they explore why a commitment to investing in mental health for the fulfilment of SDG3 ought to be an absolute global priority.

The Routledge Handbook of International Development, Mental Health and Wellbeing

3.

Author Elizabeth Dulemba (illustrator)
Degree Fine Art (Illustration)
Book

MerBaby’s Lullaby

From New York Times bestselling author Jane Yolen comes a lilting lullaby from the bottom of the sea.

Hush, foam rocker,

sleep, wave breaker.

Close your eyes and dream,

tide breaker.

A hush-filled bedtime rhyme for parents to share with their newborns, Merbaby’s Lullaby is an underwater cradlesong written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Elizabeth O. Dulemba. Join a mermaid as she helps her merbaby to sleep, rocking with the gentle waves, singing with the whispering whales, and settling in with sea stars lighting the way to sweet dreams.

MerBaby’s Lullaby

4.

Author Jackie Jones
Degree PhD English Literature
Book

The Scottish Vegan Cookbook: Plant Based Recipes for Everyday Eating

Vegan recipe developer Jackie Jones provides a huge selection of recipes for deliciously vegan versions of classic Scottish as well as newly designed dishes using healthy ingredients and cooking techniques, including braising, sprouting and steaming.

This book includes wholesome vegan versions of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scotch Broth and scrumptious Cranachan, as well as advice on using Scottish seasonal fruit and vegetables to create healthy and delicious dishes such as Calcium Super Salad, Spring-In-Your-Step Veggie Burger and Very Berry and Beet Smoothie. Other recipes include Broad Bean Soup with Bannocks, Buckwheat, Carrot and Apple Salad, Braised Celeriac and Haricot Beans with Hazelnut Crust, and Sticky Toffee, Pear and Ginger Pudding.

From easy brunch recipes through appetisers, hearty main courses and indulgent puddings, The Scottish Vegan Cookbook has them all - many illustrated with beautiful photographs and accompanied by nutritional tips as well as information about Scotland's culinary history.

The Scottish Vegan Cookbook

5.

Author Jane Jones
Degree English
Book

Princess Poppy: Please, please save the bees

PLEASE, PLEASE SAVE THE BEES! It is never too early to introduce your child to the need to nurture our environment. Please, Please Save the Bees makes it accessible for young conservationists in the making! In this book, join Poppy and her friends as they discover why the bees have gone missing from Honeypot Hill. Without the bees there will be no more delicious strawberries, tomatoes, peas or honey treats. What can Princess Poppy do to save the bees? Follow the adventures of Princess Poppy and discover nature with her!

Princess Poppy: Please, please save the bees

 

6.

Author

Kim Karam

Degree Philosophy and Psychology, PGCE (Primary)
Book

Tumbling

Robbie’s life has become unrecognisable.  He has lost himself.  His mother has moved him from urban London to a small Scottish island.  Robbie arrives to find a grey, bleak emptiness which mirrors his inner feelings. What can this new home possibly offer him?  Confronted with contradictions, emotions and empty wilderness Robbie tries to know himself again.  Will the north winds catch him as he falls, or will Robbie continue tumbling? 

For ages 11 – 13

Tumbling

 

7.

Author

Janet Philp

Degree Anatomical Sciences
Book

The Lance Grows Rusty: A Tale of Research Scientists

Duncan Twort returns to his laboratory bench after a research trip to Spain to find his life is starting to unravel. Over the next few months he has to battle with friends deserting him, unanticipated lovers demanding more of him than any man should give and a deadly disease stalking the workplace. Will he stay at the bench? Is it easier to just walk away? The Lance Grows Rusty is a fictional tale inspired by the decade the author spent working in research science prior to her move to the University of Edinburgh. All profits are going to medical research.

The Lance Grows Rusty: A Tale of Research Scientists

8.

Author

John Tweeddale

Degree PhD Systematic and Historical Theology
Book

John Owen and Hebrews: The Foundation of Biblical Interpretation

John W. Tweeddale reappraises John Owen's work as a biblical exegete, offering the first analysis of his essays, or “exercitations,” on Hebrews. Owen is frequently acknowledged as a leading figure of the puritan and nonconformist movements of the seventeenth century. However, while his reputation as a statesman, educator, pastor, polemicist, and theologian is widely recognized, he is not remembered as an exegete of Scripture. Yet throughout his life, Owen engaged in the task of biblical interpretation. His massive commentary on Hebrews in particular represents the apex of his career and exemplifies many of the exegetical methods of Protestants in early modern England. Although often overlooked, Owen's writings on Hebrews are an important resource for understanding his life and thought. Beginning with an evaluation of the state of research on Owen's commentary, as well as suggesting reasons for its neglect in current scholarship, Tweeddale then places Owen's work on Hebrews within the context of his life. What follows is a consideration of the function of federal theology in Owen's essays, and how his hermeneutic fits within the broader scope of reformed discussions on the doctrine of covenant. Tweeddale further examines Owen's attempts to resolve the challenge posed by a Christological reading of the Old Testament to a literal interpretation of Scripture. He then explores how Owen's essays represent a refining of the exegetical tradition of the Abrahamic passages in Hebrews, and how his exegesis distinguishes himself from the majority of reformed opinion on the Mosaic covenant. By focusing on the relationship of Christology, covenant theology, and hermeneutics in his commentary, this book argues that neither Owen's biography nor theology can be fully understood apart from his work on Hebrews and efforts in biblical interpretation.

John Owen and Hebrews: The Foundation of Biblical Interpretation

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 information, along with your degree details, to Brian Campbell:

Email Brian Campbell

Please note

Books are added to the bookshelf in order of submission. 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.