On the Shelves

Walking with Wallace

by Michael Koe (B1 1945-49) £7.54

Walking with Wallace is about Michael’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Wallace, and the debates they had as they walked in the beautiful South Northamptonshire countryside. These debates reflected the philosophical and scientific concerns of man and dog, such as their origins and that of the universe in which they lived. The author assumed that he could, pretty accurately, interpret Wallace’s thoughts. However, Wallace was an intelligent dog and clearly might have disagreed with some of these interpretations, though perhaps was too polite to tell him so.

Since the sad death of his wife, Sara, Michael, until the arrival of Wallace, lived on his own – though not alone, as he has four sons, four daughters-in-law and 13 fast-growing grandchildren, whom he still visits as often as possible. Over the past years since Sara’s death, he saw, however, more of Wallace than any other living creature.

At the time of writing, they were both ageing rapidly, though Wallace perhaps more gracefully. Their time together was sadly limited, for all of us, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, have an allotted lifespan – though dogs’ are usually shorter than men – so it was always likely that Wallace would ‘move on’ first. If so, Michael knew he would miss him horribly, but, if not, who would then look after an old and rather spoilt Staffie? Whichever one of them was left behind would, like everyone else, just have to kick on.

In one of their controversial debates, Michael asked whether dogs too have souls? And if not, when in the evolutionary process did humans acquire theirs? Will he and Wallace meet again in another life? Wallace’s philosophy was simple. The past is the past, live for the present and let the future take care of itself.

Thank You for Disrupting

by Jean-Marie Dru with collaboration from Nick Baum (PR 1961-65) £16.67

The business ideas and innovation philosophies of the world’s great entrepreneurs – for anyone to implement in any business. Steve Jobs. Jeff Bezos. Larry Page. Sergey Brin. Zhang Ruimin. Marc Benioff. Millions of words have been written about the great entrepreneurs of the world. This book is not about describing their achievements. Nor is it about their charisma, personal trials or their place in popular culture. We have all heard or read about them already. This book is about the entrepreneur, the thinker. It is about the grand ideas, the disruptive thoughts, the innovative underpinnings and business philosophies that gave rise to their achievements.

Thank You for Disrupting: The Disruptive Business Philosophies of the World’s Great Entrepreneurs examines 20 of the most significant business leaders of our time. Author Jean-Marie Dru, himself a disruptor who coined the term decades ago, explains not only the impact these leaders have had on their own companies, but also their immense influence on the business world as a whole. Each chapter is replete with in-depth analyses, insightful comments and personal observations from the author, including discussions covering the experimentation and platforms of Jeff Bezos, the recruitment policies and core values of Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the complete CSR and company activism of Paul Polman, and many more. Illustrating how the vision of a disruptive innovator can reach far beyond his or her company, this engaging book encourages and inspires readers to become disruptors in their own businesses.

On the Shelves

Clinical Tuberculosis

by Peter Davies (C2 1962-66) £28.54

Entirely updated and revised, the 6th edition of Clinical Tuberculosis continues to provide the tuberculosis (TB) physician with a definitive and erudite account of the latest techniques in diagnosis, treatment and control of TB, including an overview of the latest guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation. With an increased emphasis on the clinical aspects and treatment, this book will be an invaluable resource to the TB practitioner in public health or clinical practice and an ideal reference to laboratory staff.

Key features: completely updated and reorganised; includes brand new chapters on radiology and an overview of the latest WHO, ATS/CDC/IDSA, ERS, NICE, CTS and IUATLD guidelines; clinically focused to provide up-to-date guidance on diagnosis, treatment and control; edited by three renowned experts in the field of tuberculosis.

Our Magistracy: A Democratic Jewel Beyond Price

by John Hosking (LI 1943-48) £19.95

In this thoroughly informed account of the magistracy, the author deals with key issues touching on that institution. Focusing on what Lord Bingham, Lord Chief Justice, described as a ‘democratic jewel beyond price’, he explains its rationale, goals and overriding values. Dealing with major developments, economics, management, day-to-day practicalities and changing times, the author casts an experienced eye over summary justice, law and order and its fascinating history of local administration. Describing the magistracy as a great national institution, independent, respected and a true people’s court, John Hosking nevertheless decries a halving of its size, closure of courthouses, remote services and increasing reliance on professional judges rather than community volunteers. Though much has changed for the better to increase competency, meet criticism and maintain integrity, the book explains how other developments have challenged the very status of the lay magistracy and made inroads into one of the most cherished principles of our democracy: public participation in the justice system.

The Estella Trilogy: Better Expectations (Volume II)

by Hugh Sockett (C1 1951-55) £12.41

Following on from Hugh’s first book, Pip and Estella, Better Expectations explores Estella’s evolving life as a recent widow committed to the pursuit of philanthropic endeavours, specifically in confronting social problems such as prostitution in the years between 1870 and 1874. Her numerous friends come to see her as a fount of wisdom and good advice. Throughout the book Victorian strictures on sexual behaviour crop up in terms of religious and social attitudes, and the legal prohibitions, punishments and obstacles in place. The book’s portrayal of powerful women leads to their persistent examination of the limits on their freedom and independence, on all of which Estella takes a tolerant and active view.

She develops two profound friendships: the first is with Charlotte Mudge, married to Oliver, an eccentric and increasingly disturbed Norfolk vicar who dies falling off a ladder at his church. Her support and friendship for Charlotte is enhanced by the fact that Charlotte’s niece Elizabeth is in love with Albert, her stepson, who finds himself trapped in the Paris Commune. More controversial for her friends is her loving relationship with Nellie Fletcher, wife of Pip’s wartime comrade, now the blacksmith at Joe Gargery’s forge. Estella and Nellie form an intimate relationship, rare in a mistress–servant context, but Estella explains to her friends how she sees her mother in Nellie, but also vigorously defends their sapphic affiliation.

The Estella Trilogy: A Star That Would Not Dim (Volume III)

by Hugh Sockett (C1 1951-55) £12.82

The first two working-class members were elected to Parliament in 1874, indicative of political class struggle. In this final volume of The Estella Trilogy, the Jaggers Trust for the Relief and Education of the Poor seeks to alleviate profound social problems including prostitution, rural poverty and education. Estella is now its Chair, part of her independent life since Pip’s death in 1870. Women struggle with social change although the suffrage is not yet pre-eminent. Divorce, relationships with servants, children’s education, new wealth, individual responsibilities in an age of colonial expansion, along with loyalty and status in marriage determine how women

are to plan their futures. Estella is now a lady widely regarded as a fount of wisdom, a star that does not dim with age. Maturity brings constant self-reflection prompted by her reading the Jaggers–Havisham letters about her as a child. Yet she has many pleasures: in Paris where Sargent paints her portrait; at Numquam House where she relaxes with Nellie; and the discussions in The League of Free Women. Yet her parental legacies haunt her: Molly, Abel Magwitch and Miss Havisham. From her mother she has inherited an unhinged jealousy. Estella admits to herself that both her parents were murderers, and wonders if everyone does not think seriously about killing someone.

Flying Through Life: From Fighter Pilot to Peace Activist

by Richard Moody (C3 1954-59) £14.26

Towards the end of his career as a fighter pilot with the Royal Navy, Richard Moody became an ardent peace activist and Quaker. This book is the story of his conversion. In today’s world of militarisation and slaughter, Richard’s diametric experiences have made him a uniquely compelling voice in the fight for peace. Through his story, Richard hopes readers will learn that peace through diplomacy is vital for the survival of societies worldwide.

Bumbling Through Africa: An Account of the TransAfrican Bumble Expedition 1960-61

by Frank Tennant (CO 1949-54) £15.98

Frank Tennant served his national service in the British Army, where he was seconded to the Somaliland Scouts, a British Colonial Regiment. Returning to the UK, he decided the ideal lifestyle would be to farm in Africa. He studied Agricultural Science with that in mind.

With two other students, he drove through some 20 countries in Africa to ‘find somewhere to farm’. But at the halfway mark, he began to realise that Africa was not a place in which to invest his future. He ended up on a large sheep station in the Australian outback where he wrote an account of the Bumble Expedition.

On the Shelves

He became immersed in other ventures and never bothered to attempt publication. Early in 2021, he came across the draft of the book.

On reading the draft, he realised the changes that had taken place in the 60 years since driving through Africa were immense and the experiences and the description of the people and their views were of considerable interest to him. He considered it could well be of interest to others.

Flowers for Elephants: How a Conservation Movement in Kenya Offers Lessons for Us All

by Pete Martell (LI 1992-97) £17.75

Flowers for Elephants tells the story of a community conservation movement in Kenya that shows how environmental change does not have to divide us, but can bring us together. What began as a last-ditch effort to save rhinos from extinction sparked a remarkable return of wildlife to a once-struggling cattle ranch called Lewa, now named a UN World Heritage Site for its outstanding value to humanity. This served as a catalyst for much broader action. Communities created a network of protected lands across an area larger than Switzerland. The book, based on over a decade of reporting from East Africa for the BBC and the French news agency AFP, was released on 10th March, and has a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales (who called it ‘exciting, important and inspiring’) as well as endorsements by Dr Jane Goodall (‘Read it and buy copies for everyone who cares about the natural world’). It is illustrated with photographs from two award-winning National Geographic photographers, David Chancellor and Pete McBride.

OMs can get 25% off using the code ELEPHANTS25, with free UK postage for two copies.

Little Interactions: Conversations and Observations Across America

by Ali Macleod (SU 2009-14) £9.99

The late AA Gill, the masterfully dyslexic wordsmith and long-time source of inspiration, wrote that ‘America didn’t bypass or escape civilisation. It did something far more profound, far cleverer: it simply changed what civilisation could be.’

Little Interactions is a 10-week field study of this sentiment. It is a series of vignettes, capturing the conversations and observations experienced along a 6,500km bike ride, which begins amongst the marble statues of Washington DC, continues through the bluegrass fields of Kentucky, across the Plains of Kansas, up the spine of the Rockies, and along the coastline to Vancouver, Canada. It is a linear account of the journey, written to be dipped in and out of, which detours to make time for reflections on random musings and formative experiences. A quick 10 minutes spent in coal mining Trump-land, to longer sections focused on the wild expanse of the west, that also makes room for anecdotes on gun control, English park scenes and friendship. An ideal read for the restless individual, who is yearning to realise a pipe dream. Putting down Little Interactions should be the first step forward in the direction of the front door, where another journey begins, and new memories are created.

Children of the Massacre: The Extra-ordinary Story of the Stewart Family in Hong Kong and West China

by Linda and Robert Banks £18.00

Early morning on 1st August 1895, a group of armed insurgents attacked a remote mission station in China. An Irish couple, Robert (C3 1886-88) and Louisa Stewart, and two of their young children were murdered. Three other children were wounded but escaped, while three older boys were away at school in England. From their early years, the six surviving Stewart children, most of whom were born in China, believed they had ‘unfinished business’ there. One after another, each returned to their adopted country, where

they founded and served schools, churches, student hostels and hospitals. Their visionary contributions took place against the backdrop of the Nationalist Revolution, anti-Western demonstrations, and the Japanese invasion and occupation of China. More than 75 years ago, Bishop R O Hall of Hong Kong stated, ‘The story of the Stewart family needs to be told!’ This thoroughly researched volume finally documents the lives and legacy of one of the most impressive families in missionary history.

Forgotten Englishman

by Nicholas Fogg (CR 1977-92) £23.05

Forgotten Englishman tells the story of the first Englishman to sail round the Cape of Good Hope and the amazing Jesuit mission to the exotic east.

In 1584, the Jesuit Thomas Stephens wrote a rich account of his hazardous voyage to India aboard a Portuguese carrack, describing the wildlife he saw and the hazards of the voyage. The impact of the Jesuits in the Far East in the 16th century was huge. They introduced Western science and astronomy to China, the silk trade to Japan and the printing press to India. They compiled the first dictionaries and grammars of Asian languages and mapped the Himalayas. They were precise recorders of contemporary society, leaving a remarkable account of life at the court of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great. The first Englishman to make a significant impact in India, Thomas Stephens was born in Wiltshire in 1549 and grew up in a rapidly changing world in which old certainties were being discarded. Educated at Winchester College and Oxford University, he embarked on a mission across the country to encourage aristocratic Catholic families to remain steadfast in their faith. Escaping arrest in England, he travelled to Rome to become a Jesuit. Four years later, he departed for India in 1579 aboard a Portuguese carrack – the first Englishman to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. Stephens was to spend the next 40 years in Goa, dying there in 1619. He compiled the first grammar of the Konkani language, and his Konkani Catechism was published in 1622. His most famous work, the Christian Purãna, written in the Marathi language, is regarded as a classic work of Indian literature, providing Indian converts with an anchor to their cultural roots.

Forgotten Englishman captures both the exotic character of 16th-century life in the eastern outposts of the Portuguese Empire – its venality, cultural clashes, brutality and license – and explores the self-sacrifice of those in the Society of Jesus who had dedicated their lives to the service of their fellow men. It is an extraordinary account of heroic witness.

Reflections Before and During Covid-19

by Henry Disney (B1 1952-57) £7.99

The Covid pandemic has impacted all our lives. The new poems in this volume constitute a challenging set of reflections and provide an interesting contrast with some of the poems the author published before Covid.

Henry Disney is a scientist of distinction. His 10 previously published collections of poems have attracted a wide readership.

Nakadai

by Walker Zupp (B1 2012-14) £14.06

Twickley, England. When Hiroshi Nakadai is studying for his PhD in Linguistics he comes into contact with a powerful and evil force… His supervisor, Professor Mutton, has been enslaved by the Great Word: an intergalactic being hell-bent on conquering the world.

When Nakadai becomes a professor, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Using his phenomenal intelligence, he decides to fight the Great Word – and confuse the hell out of his PhD student, Nicola, along the way.

If you have written, co-written, contributed towards, featured an OM in, or illustrated a book, please email catherine@theommagazine.co.uk

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