| www.ashtead.org | Books with an Ashtead connection & more | Other Books of Merit |
The books are split into 2 sections, the second of which is especially suitable for younger children.
These books are listed in alphabetical order of title. Many of these books have been recommended by members of the St George's & St Giles' congregations.
In-Print books are available, as they say, 'from all good book sellers', including
Just click on the books below or their links to go to Amazon's relevant pages.
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The Code Book
Simon Singh: Published 2000 by Fourth Estate, 416 pages, paperback From when I first heard extracts from this book on radio 4 I knew I was going to like it. Encryption is not normally explained even moderately well. Yes this book is engaging but it is also accurate. - AC |
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Dawning Light - Perspectives on Friendship
David Tong and Peter Karry: Published 2005 by Arem Publishing, 48 pages, hardback First rate poetry and beautiful photography - including our own Ashtead Common |
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God, Chance and Necessity
Keith Ward: Published 1996 by Oneworld, 200 pages, paperback Does modern science actually point to God? Keith Ward believes it does! In this riveting book Ward considers the position of eminent scientists such as, Stephen Hawkin, Peter Atkins and Richard Dawkins, but can he offer a robust and reasonable defence of the believer's view point? The book provides some very fertile discussion material. It appears to me that Keith Ward applies his thoughts more to the philosophy of science and what claims science can justifiably make, rather than getting involved in a detailed interaction with the science it self. He includes words like 'Purpose' and 'Beauty' in his world view, and suggests that this provides a much more reasonable explanation for the way the universe is than the 'materialists' can. The final chapter on suffering and goodness is going to be well worth looking at. I'm sure there will be some disagreement on the way the book treats the positions of Atkins and Dawkins; but ultimately, I at least, found it a very satisfying book to read and I'm sure it will provoke some very useful and stimulating discussion. - PH |
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A History of God
Karen Armstrong: Published 1999 by Vintage, 528 pages, paperback |
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Internet Linked Science Encyclopedia
Judy Tatchell: Published 2000 by Usborne, 448 pages, hardback |
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Internet Linked World History Encyclopedia
J. Bingham, S. Taplin, J. Chisholm: Published 2001 by Usborne, 416 pages, hardback |
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Making Sense Out of Suffering
Peter Kreeft: Published 1986 by Servant Publications, paperback Using a range of material from characters as diverse as Socrates, C.S. Lewis and T.S. Elliot, Author Peter Kreeft tries to find meaning in this mystery that has turned so many people away from a 'Loving God'. - PH |
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The Mind of God - Science and the Search for Ultimate Meaning
Paul C.W. Davies: Published 1993 by Penguin Books, 256 pages, paperback Paul Davies writes the book as an agnostic... he writes, "I belong to a group of scientists who do not subscribe to a conventional religion but never the less deny that the universe is a purposeless accident." The book is concluded by, "Through conscious beings the universe has generated self awareness. This can be no trivial detail, no minor by-product of mindless, purposeless forces. We are truly meant to be here." He covers similar ground to Keith Ward, but I think the book is a lot more accessible. The chapter headings are:
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Paths from Science to God
Arthur Peacocke Can you find God in a science book? 1) Creation - Is it happening all the time? (Panentheism) 2) How does God act (personally) in a world apparently governed by unalterable 'natural laws'. 3) For many scientists, evolution requires too much pain and is too costly for this to be seen as the work of a loving God. 4) If God knows the future is there really such a thing as free will? 5) Is there meaning in suffering? 6) Does Peacocke give any useful insights? Arthur Peacocke is a renowned biochemist and also a Canon in the Church Of England | |
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September 11 - A Testimony
Reuters: Published 2001 by Reuters, 266 pages, hardback |
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September 11 - A Testimony
Reuters: Published 2002 by Financial Times Prentice Hall, 272 pages, hardback |
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After September 11 - New York and the World
Reuters: Published 2002 by Prentice Hall, 222 pages, hardback |
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The Usborne Book of London
Rosie Dickins: Published 2001 by Usborne Publishing Ltd, 64 pages, paperback  See also Links to Local Museums, Galleries etc.
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What If - Religious Themes in Science Fiction
Mike Alsford: Published 2000 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd, 176 pages, paperback Do you prefer writers like H.G. Wells or William Gibson, TV like Star Trek or Dr Who, or prefer films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Blade Runner or Total Recall? Or are you more at home with Plato, Kant or Marx. Some how 'What If' shows that the questions they ask and try, in there own way, to answer is very similar to questions and answers you'll find in Judaeo-Christian teachings. The subtitle of the book is 'Religious themes In Science Fiction', and it covers just that. Starting with the Enlightenment and Shelley's Frankenstein and with frequent references to all manner of material predominantly Science Fiction (aka future fiction) Mike Alsford shows that nothing is new. Further more that, the Bible too is interested in the same questions of human identity, relationships and destiny. Sometimes heavy in concepts it is nevertheless fast moving and soon you're back on familiar ground. A great book to give SF friends to help them see the relevance of the Bible to the main themes of life. - AC |
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Best of All
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2003 by Crossway Books, 32 pages, hardback |
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Going on a Plane - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Going to a Party - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Going to School - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Going to the Dentist - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Going to the Doctor - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Going to the Hospital - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2004 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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If Only I Had a Green Nose
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2002 by Crossway Books, 32 pages, hardback |
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Leaving Mrs Ellis
Catherine Robinson & Sue Broadley: Published 1997 by Red Fox, 32 pages, paperback, ISBN 0099254611 It's the end of the school year, and Leo will no longer be taught by the kind Mrs Ellis. He's frightened of Miss Lyons, who is to be his new teacher, but over the summer he finds out that she's not as he feared. When school starts again, Leo is boldly leading his friends into their new classroom | |
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Moving House - Usborne First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2002 by Usborne Publishing, 16 pages, paperback |
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Nothing
Mick Inkpen: Published 1996 by Hodder Children's Books, 32 pages, paperback |
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Owl Babies
Martin Waddell, Illustrator: Patrick Benson: Published 1994 by Walker Books, 32 pages, paperback |
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Owl Babies
Martin Waddell, Illustrator: Patrick Benson: Published 1994 by Walker Books, 22 pages, board |
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Penguin Small
Mick Inkpen: Published 1994 by Hodder Children's Books, 32 pages, paperback |
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Usborne Book of First Experiences
A. Civardi, Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright: Published 2003 by Usborne Publishing, 144 pages, paperback Includes: Going to the Hospital; Going to the Doctor; Going to School; Going to the Dentist; The New Baby; Moving House; The New Puppy; Going on a Plane; and Going to a Party |
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The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams, Illustrator: William Nicholson: Published 2004 by Egmont Books, 48 pages, paperback |
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Waterbugs and Dragonflies - Explaining Death to Young Children
Doris Stickney: Published 2004 by Pilgrim Press, 24 pages, paperback |
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Waterbugs and Dragonflies - Explaining Death to Young Children
Doris Stickney: Published 2002 by Continuum International, hardback |
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You Are Mine
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2001 by Crossway Books, 31 pages, hardback |
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You Are Mine
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2002 by Crossway Books, 28 pages, board |
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You Are Special - A Story for Everyone
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2002 by Crossway Books, 48 pages, hardback |
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You Are Special
Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez: Published 2000 by Crossway Books, 28 pages, board |