James Robinson

Harvey Cox describes Pentecostalism as "the fascinating spiritual child of our time" that has the potential, at the global scale, to contribute to the "reshaping of religion in the twentyfirst century." This study grounds such sentiments by examining at the local scale the origin, development, and nature of Pentecostalism in Ireland in its first twenty years. Illustrative, in a paradigmatic way, of how Pentecostalism became established within one region of the British Isles, it sets the story within the wider context of formative influences emanating from America, Europe and, in particular, other parts of the British Isles. As a synoptic regional study in Pentecostal history it is the first survey of its kind.

This lively book considers the various fascinating stories which have evolved to explain the ownership, concealment and discovery of the pieces whilst also placing them in the wider context of the ancient game of chess and secular art of the middle Ages. The Lewis Chessmen consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales’ teeth in the forms of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns in the shape of obelisks. They were found in the vicinity of Uig on the Isle of Lewis, but were probably made in Norway, in around 1150-1200 AD. At this time, the Western Isles where the Chessmen were buried were part of the kingdom of Norway, and not Scotland as they are today. Although very few details of the origins of the Chessmen are known, it is possible that they belonged to a merchant travelling from Norway and that they were buried for safekeeping on route to be traded in Ireland. This seems likely as there are enough pieces, though with some elements missing, to make four sets. No exact account of the discovery remains, but they apparently came to light after the collapse of a sand-bank on the coast of the island revealed their hiding place to a passing islander. All that is certain is that they were found some time before 11th April 1831 when they were exhibited at the Society of the Antiquaries in Scotland. Of the original 93 pieces discovered on the Isle of Lewis, 82 pieces are now housed in the British Museum. An exciting read for anyone interested in the history of the famous chess pieces.

Chance Falconer, the mischievous 13 year old daughter of Lucas Falconer, acts as the mystical guardian for the city of Devil's Echo. Devil's Echo finds itself facing an all-new threat, as classic matinee monsters literally come to life and walk off a movie screen to begin their reign of terror! It's all-out excitement as Chance and her friends try to stop them, but the most shocking secret of all is who is really behind the mayhem!

A wartime romantic thriller featuring the reality of life in London during the Blitz.