Glossop Guild for enquiring minds
Publications
Many of our lecturers have published books. This page is reserved for details of such publications which might be of interest to our members. Some lecturers may have written more than one book, some might have written books we are unaware of, this must not be taken as a comprehensive list.
These publications are not available from this website but can usually be purchased from a good bookshop or online. If you require further details please contact us by email.
The Quiet Soldier: Phuong's Story
by Creina Mansield
Provoked by Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, this novel tells the story of Phuong, from her childhood in the Vietnamese district of Cu Chi to her return there as a guerrilla fighter. Phuong’s unmentioned past, subdued personality, and lack of political expression are the subjects of the novel, which begins during the Vietnam war. From the tunnels of Cu Chi, Phuong fights outside a village near her birthplace. There, she recalls her upbringing, her journey to Saigon, and the years she spent there as a spy for the Vietminh. Under orders from the communist committee, Phuong ensnared Thomas Fowler, a British journalist, because he was a rich source of information. Later, Phuong was ordered to become the mistress of Alden Pyle, a newly arrived American whom she realized was, like her, a covert operator.
Revolutionery Marxism in Spain 1930-1937
by Alan Sennett
Revolutionary Marxism in Spain 1930-1937 examines the impact of Trotsky's political thought upon those Spanish communists who dissented from the 'general line' laid down by Moscow. It explores the political ideas of leading Partido Obrero de Unificacion Marxista (POUM) figures, Andreu Nin and Joaquin Maurin, and their complex relationship with Trotsky. The contention is that the POUM owed far more to Trotsky than many of the party's historians care to admit.
Genetic and Evolutionary Diversity
by Robert Callow & Lawrence Cook
This book examines the causes of genetic diversity within and between populations, species formation and multiplication and the association of species in communities. It also discusses reproductive patterns in relation to the integrated control of breeding systems and chromosomes behaviour. The ideas presented link fields of biology usually treated separately, which are relevant to population genetic, cytogenetic , ecological and evolutionary studies.This revised edition includes significant advances in the fields of plant genetics and cytogenetics and a greater emphasis on long term evolutionary processes.
Folktales of the Peak District
by Mark Henderson
The Peak District is noted for its beautiful and varied scenery, its fascinating history, and its abundance of folktales. The sixty-two pieces in this collection include both wonder tales (fairy tales) and local legends, together with a few genuinely historical stories that have caught the popular imagination. Some of the tales are tragic, some are comic; some are very short, some are longer; many (even the historical ones) have ghost-story elements, which readily attach themselves to real-life stories. What they all have in common is that they reflect aspects of Peak District life, character, scenery and history. All the stories in this collection are written with recitation in mind, because folktales are for telling aloud. Notes at the end of the collection explain the sources and significance of each tale. Sketch maps are included to indicate the locations in which the tales are set, so interested readers can visit the scenes, most of which are illustrated by the author's photographs. Many of these locations are easily accessible by road, but some involve significant walks through the countryside that gave birth to the stories. Folktales of the Peak District will charm its readers and enhance their appreciation of this lovely part of England.
Genomes 3
by Terry A. Brown
Covering molecular genetics from the basics through to genome expression and molecular phylogenetics, Genomes 3 is the latest edition of this pioneering textbook. Updated to incorporate the recent major advances, Genomes 3 is an invaluable companion for any serious student studying molecular genetics. Genomes 3 builds on the achievements of the previous two editions by putting genomes, rather than genes, at the centre of molecular genetics teaching. Recognising that molecular biology research was being driven more by genome sequencing and functional analysis than by research into genes, this approach has gathered momentum in recent years.
Understanding Microbes
by Jeremy W. Dale
We can’t see them, but microbes are the dominant form of life on Earth. This includes bacteria and viruses, and also fungi, protozoa and algae. They make up half of the world’s biomass. They were here billions of years before we were, and they will be here after we are gone. Without their activity, life as we know it would be impossible. Even within our own bodies, there are ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells. Understanding Microbes provides a clear, accessible introduction to this world of microbes. As well as looking at a selection of infectious diseases, including how they are prevented and treated, the book explores the importance of microbes in the environment, in the production and preservation of food, and their applications in biotechnology.
30 Years of Mobile Phones in the UK
by Nigel Linge & Andy Sutton
In 1985, the seeds of a revolution were sown in the UK when people were first able to communicate using one of the most remarkable items of personal technology to have been developed – the mobile phone.
The authors, both acknowledged experts in this field, explore the origins of the mobile phone in the UK and its evolution over the following thirty years. Throughout the book they anaylse the background developments, such as the licensing of new networks, the emergence of new data services and the technical evolution through TACS, GSM, UMTS and LTE as well as the development of text messaging and the integration of the mobile with the web. Alongside this, the authors explore the design and technical changes to the handsets, including the integration of cameras, the emergence of apps and the trend-setting influence of the iPhone.Ranging from 1G through to the current 4G networks, this book tells you everything you need to know about the development of the mobile phone in the UK.
Politics & Governance in the UK
by Michael Moran
This is the first major new textbook on British politics of the 21st century and the first fully to reflect the new multi-level character of governance in its organization and content. Its single authorship allows for fully integrated, even and consistent style and coverage while particular attention has been paid to presenting a range of interpretations and assessments rather than just one single point of view.
This thoroughly revised third edition of a much praised, comprehensive text on British politics and governance takes into account developments up to and including the 2015 General Election and reflects on the recent upheavals in Britain's constitutional settlement.
The State of Freedom
by Patrick Joyce
What is the state? The State of Freedom offers an important new take on this classic question by exploring what exactly the state did and how it worked. Patrick Joyce asks us to re-examine the ordinary things of the British state from dusty government files and post offices to well-thumbed primers in ancient Greek and Latin and the classrooms and dormitories of public schools and Oxbridge colleges. This is also a history of the 'who' and the 'where' of the state, of the people who ran the state, the government offices they sat in and the college halls they dined in. Patrick Joyce argues that only by considering these things, people and places can we really understand the nature of the modern state. This is both a pioneering new approach to political history in which social and material factors are centre stage, and a highly original history of modern Britain.
Lowry: A Visionary Artist
by Michael Howard
L.S. Lowry is probably Britain's most popular artist. This book takes a fresh look at his work, and with over 200 colour reproductions, it is a useful book for students and admirers of his work.
Britain and the Economic Problem of the Cold War
by Till Geiger
Many accounts of British development since 1945 have attempted to discover why Britain experienced slower rates of economic growth than other Western European countries. In many cases, the explanation for this phenomenon has been attributed to the high level of defence spending that successive British post-war governments adhered to. Yet is it fair to assume that Britain's relative economic decline could have been prevented if policy makers had not spent so much on defence? Examining aspects of the political economy and economic impact of British defence expenditure in the period of the first cold war (1945-1955), this book challenges these widespread assumptions, looking in detail at the link between defence spending and economic decline. In contrast to earlier studies, Till Geiger not only analyses the British effort within the framework of Anglo-American relations, but also places it within the wider context of European integration. By reconsidering the previously accepted explanation of the economic impact of the British defence effort during the immediate post-war period, this book convincingly suggests that British foreign policy-makers retained a large defence budget to offset a sense of increased national vulnerability, brought about by a reduction in Britain's economic strength due to her war effort. Furthermore, it is shown that although this level of military spending may have slightly hampered post-war recovery, it was not in itself responsible for the decline of the British economy.
Manchester Compendium
by Ed Glinert
Times and trends catch up fast with Chorlton (where your reviewer once lived). This modish suburb of "Labour Party stalwarts" returned a LibDem MP in 2005. That's the joy of Glinert's addictive follow-up to his East End and West End Chronicles.
Anyone with Mancunian connections can put a pedantic oar in while saluting the charm and erudition of this street-by-street gazetteer. Yes, Factory Records, Lowry Best, Morrissey and Engels, get their due. But it's the little things that stick. The bootleg album of Dylan's "Judas!" gig at the Free Trade Hall bore the title Live at the Albert Hall. Sacrilege!
Independent
Politics in the Age of Fox, Pitt and Liverpool
By John W. Derry
For many people the late eighteenth century was a period of political corruption, with the political world waiting for the triumph of reform. In this lucidly written study, now in a revised edition, John Derry shows that the traditional political system was more remarkable for its resilience than for its defects, and that it succeeded to an astonishing extent in meeting the challenges of war, the threat from the French Revolution, and the problems caused by unprecedented social and economic change. A vigorous narrative is combined with pungent analysis of the assumptions on which the practice of politics was based and the fashion in which politicians responded to the demands made of them.
The Literary Way
By Terry Goble
"Twenty-one circular walks combine to form a fascinating long-distance route exploring the writers and landscape of the Peak District" The Literary Way is an exploration of the places in the Peak District that touched novelists and poets in many different ways. It stretches from the village of Ellastone on the Staffordshire border to the High Peak village of Hayfield. The Literary Way combines literary masterpieces, inspirational people and wonderful scenery. We will follow rivers, stop at country houses, and stride up on to the open moors. Some of the places we will visit are well-known, while others are not so easy to come across. There is abundance of old, quaint villages along our route, where we will stop and enjoy the ambiance that stimulated creative thoughts. The journey does not rush, but has a level of strolling and drifting through the countryside with frequent stops to admire the scenery and to take in the literary presence. Most of the route is within the confines of the Peak District National Park and has some of the finest scenery in the British Isles. Writers include Samuel Johnson, George Eliot, Alexandre Dumas, Mary Shelley, Charlotte Bronte, Lord Byron, Daniel Defoe, Sir Walter Scott, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, D H Lawrence, Agatha Christie, George Bernard Shaw, E M Forster, Ben Jonson, Robert Louis Stephenson, William Wordsworth, Alison Uttley & many more
Politics & the European Union
by Simon Bulmer & Ian Bache
The European Union is a unique, complex, and ever-changing political entity which continues to shape both international politics and the politics of its individual member states. Politics in the European Union provides a clear analysis of the theory and history, and policies and institutions of the EU, giving students a well-rounded introduction to the subject, and the confidence to understand it.
Complete and detailed in its coverage, with a consolidated and updated history section, this text weaves together material on key contemporary concerns including the Eurozone crisis and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty with a thorough consideration of the workings and remit of the European Union
Mushrooms (Collins Gem) by Patrick Harding
The ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.
This is the perfect pocket guide for nature and foraging enthusiasts keen to identify the most commonly found mushrooms and toadstools in Britain and northern Europe.
Authoritative text, beautiful photographs and detailed illustrations show the distinguishing features of each mushroom and toadstool, including details of size, habitat and when it can be found, whether it is edible or poisonous and most importantly, which similar species it can be confused with and why.
This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, now expanded to include over 240 species of mushroom and toadstool.
Germany and the European Union: Europe's Reluctant Hegemon?
by Simon Bulmer & William E Paterson
This new textbook offers a path-breaking interpretation of the role of the European Union's most important member state: Germany. Analyzing Germany's domestic politics, European policy, relations with partners, and the resultant expressions of power within the EU, the text addresses such key questions as whether Germany is becoming Europe's hegemon, and if Berlin's European policy is being constrained by its internal politics. The authors - both leading scholars in the field - situate these questions in their historical context and bring the subject up to date by considering the centrality of Germany to the liberal order of the EU over the last turbulent decade in relation to events including the Eurozone crisis and the 2017 German federal election. This is the first comprehensive and accessible guide to a fascinating relationship that considers both the German impact on the EU and the EU's impact on Germany.
A Journey Through the Universe
by Ian Morison
Providing an in-depth understanding both for general readers and astronomy enthusiasts, this highly comprehensive book provides an up-to-date survey of our knowledge of the Universe beyond Earth. The book explores our Solar System, its planets and other bodies; examines the Sun and how it and other stars evolve through their lifetimes; discusses the search for planets beyond our Solar System and how we might detect life on them; and highlights interesting objects found within our galaxy, the Milky Way. It also looks at our current understanding of the origin and evolution of the Universe, as well as many other intriguing topics, such as time, black holes and Einstein's theories, dark matter, dark energy and the Cosmic Microwave Background. The book is uniquely supported by video lectures given by the author, available online. It also includes the very latest astronomical observations, such as those made by the Planck and Kepler spacecraft.
Imagining Robert
by Christina Longden
Robert Stanley was a respectable, northern working-class Victorian man who converted to Islam. But his family managed to keep his Muslim identity a secret - for nearly a century. Robert grew up in the cradle of Britain’s Industrial Revolution and was part of Ashton under Lyne’s Christian Israelite sect. Self-educated, this grocer and tea-trader made it his mission to help working men bribed by rich factory owners during elections. He rose to become one of Britain’s first working-class magistrates and mayors, witnessing first-hand some of the most violent riots, radicalism and progressive reforms of the Victorian era. Robert advised Parliament on the enfranchisement of the working classes and on whether the secret ballot should be introduced. His desire for justice led him to challenge the British government over their unfair foreign policies towards non-Christians. In 1898 at the age of 69, he took the astonishing decision to convert to Islam, becoming close friend of famous convert - Abdullah Quilliam - Sheikh of Islam of the British Isles. After his death, his conversion was ‘hidden’ for nearly a century. ‘Imagining Robert’ uses creative fiction to paint a colourful and fascinating portrait of one of Britain’s unsung working-class heroes.
The Futures of Feminism
by Valerie Bryson
This book makes the case for an inclusive form of socialist feminism that puts multiple disadvantaged women at its heart. It moves feminism beyond contemporary disputes, including those between some feminists and some trans women. Combining academic rigour with accessibility, the book demystifies some key feminist terms, including patriarchy and intersectionality, and shows their relevance to feminist politics today. It argues that the analysis of gender cannot be isolated from that of class or race, and that the needs of most women will not be met in an economy based on the pursuit of profit. Throughout, the book asserts the social, economic and human importance of the unpaid caring and domestic work that has been traditionally done by women. It concludes that there are some grounds for optimism about a future that could be both more feminist and more socialist.
Fast Forward: Music and Politics in 1974
by Steve Millward
1964-1974 was a tumultuous decade. In the first two books of his 'Music and Politics' trilogy, Steve Millward traced how the optimism and adventure of 1964 had, by 1970, soured into frustration and uncertainty. Fast Forward: Music and Politics in 1974 brings the story to a climax by showing that while the year was riddled with soul-searching and looking backwards, the future was, in fact, approaching rapidly. As in the previous volumes, Millward links major political developments such as the energy crisis, Watergate, the troubles in Northern Ireland and the rise of the National Front to trends in rock, jazz, folk and classical music. He also explains the part played by music in the revolutions across Africa and in the struggle for civil rights in the USA. James Brown, Neil Young, David Bowie and Bob Marley are among the major names featured, but there is also discussion of the multitude of artists who made crucial but less celebrated contributions, including Millie Jackson, Steve Reich, Billy Cobham and even the poet laureate John Betjeman. Precursors of punk such as Patti Smith, The Ramones, Dr Feelgood and Kilburn and The High Roads are also examined in detail. Finally, Millward weaves into the plot sporting events like the World Cup and the Rumble in the Jungle and the host of excellent films released during the year. Fast Forward: Music and Politics in 1974 offers a multidimensional interpretation of a momentous year - analytical yet accessible, weighty yet witty - and is the perfect addition to any music-lover's bookcase. It merits the accolade given by Record Collector magazine to its predecessor, Different Tracks (Matador, 2014) - 'an incisive, all-inclusive discourse...a sharply-delineated time-capsule'.
Still Point: Political Drama
by D. E. Toft
It is the opening years of the 1990s. John Major is newly elected following the decade of austerity and social upheaval of the Thatcher years. High streets are boarded up and the residual tensions of the miners strikes, Wapping dispute and the poll tax are still evident across a country bitterly divided. For Derek Brown, an officer in an undercover customs and excise team, his personal, professional and political life mirrors the disillusioned directionless drift of the left in the aftermath of three election defeats. However, a new case offers hope for Derek, with the prospect of settling old scores and giving him a new direction in his working life and political perspective at the same time as a new relationship brings significant changes to his personal life. But as the case twists and turns, nothing goes as expected.