Book Corner

June is the month for several Saints' days, not least Saint Peter and Paul, Apostles on the 29th, but also including Saint Barnabas on the 11th and Saint Alban on the 22nd. This gave me the idea for this month's suggestions.

Firstly, for children, I would recommend a Scripture Union Book, On the Trail of Peter. (I am certain I have already reviewed the book on Paul in the same series). This is a puzzle book full of puzzles, pictures and games enabling children (approximately 5 to 8 years) to learn about Peter and the events in his life. The first page is entitled, 'Simon The Fisherman' and invites the reader to identify five fish and then further to circle the freshwater fish in black and the saltwater fish in red. Other page headings include 'Simon Changes His Name to Peter', 'Peter is Forgiven' and 'In Prison'. Bible references are given to encourage Bible reading. An excellent tool for individual or group use.

On the Trail of Peter. (Scripture Union). ISBN 1 85999 519 5. 99p.

On the other end of the scale, age and price wise, I have thoroughly enjoyed delving into Butler's Lives of the Saints (New Concise Edition) by Paul Burns. The aim of this book is to present a concise account of one saint or blessed for each day of the year from amongst those featured in the new twelve-volume 'Butler's Lives of the Saints' published by Burns & Oates and The Liturgical Press between 1995 and 2000. It is a clear and well-presented book - too big to carry around but an excellent reference manual.

Taking Saint Alban as an example, information given includes that he was the first recorded martyr of Britain. According to the Venerable Bede, Alban was not yet a Christian when he gave shelter to a priest who was trying to escape pursuers. The priest instructed Alban over a period of days and he became a Christian. When soldiers arrived to arrest the priest, Alban offered himself in his place. All is not straightforward though! The piece goes on to present that there was no persecution in the west at the time to which Bede dates the martyrdom and there is the implication that Alban was a Roman citizen as the sword killed him. Fascinating stuff if you enjoy researching.

Paul Burns was educated at Ampleforth College and The Queen's College, Oxford where he gained a first class degree in modern languages. He has worked mainly in religious publishing and has translated many books and articles. He was Managing Editor of the 1995-2000 twelve-volume 'Butler's Lives of the Saints'

Butler's Lives of the Saints (New Concise Edition). Burns & Oates. ISBN 0 86012 339 1. £25.

Lynn Winter