Figuring Racism in Medieval Christianity by M. Lindsay Kaplan (OUP, £22.99 (£20.70); 978-0-19-067824-1).
“In Figuring Racism in Medieval Christianity, M. Lindsay Kaplan expands the study of the history of racism through an analysis of the Christian concept of Jewish hereditary inferiority. Imagined as a figural slavery, this idea anticipates modern racial ideologies in creating a status of permanent, inherent subordination. Unlike other studies of early forms of racism, this book places theological discourses at the center of its analysis.”
Permanent Revolution: The Reformation and the illiberal roots of liberalism by James Simpson (Harvard, £25.95 (£23.36); 978-0-674-98713-5).
“How did the Reformation, which initially promoted decidedly illiberal positions, end up laying the groundwork for Western liberalism? The English Reformation began as an evangelical movement driven by an unyielding belief in predestination, intolerance, stringent literalism, political quietism, and destructive iconoclasm. Yet by 1688, this illiberal early modern upheaval would deliver the foundations of liberalism: free will, liberty of conscience, religious toleration, readerly freedom, constitutionalism, and aesthetic liberty.”
With the End in Mind: How to live and die well by Kathryn Mannix (William Collins, £9.99 (£9); 978-0-00-821091-5). New in paperback.
“In this unprecedented book, palliative medicine pioneer Dr Kathryn Mannix explores the biggest taboo in our society and the only certainty we all share: death.”
The Puzzle of Pastoral Care: A practical approach by Alison Moore (Kevin Mayhew, £14.99 ; 978-1-84867-968-9).
“The Puzzle Of Pastoral care is for anyone who is responsible for, interested in or practising pastoral care: lay or ordained; in full time or part time ministry; paid or voluntary. Anyone being trained in pastoral care or responsible for training others. The issues raised are relevant to churches of all denominations.”
Churches of the Marches by John Kinross (Amberley, £14.99 (£13.50); 978-1-4456-7997-6).
“In this stunning, full-colour book, John Kinross explores the fascinating history behind the smaller, lesser-known churches of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and the Welsh borders. Areas characterised by their rural beauty and agricultural charm, it is no surprise that they are home to such extraordinary relics. From the tiny church of St David, Rhulen, in Radnorshire to the even smaller church of Hope Bagot, St John, with its nearby well and wild flowers, each site tells a different tale. Beautifully illustrated and extremely informative, Churches of the Marches is a must-read that pinpoints the ecclesiastical treasures of our Marches.”
Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.