REVIEWS

SCOTTISH RELIGIOUS POETRY

From the Sixth Century to the Present

Selected and introduced by: Linden Bicket, Emma Dymock and Alison Jack Published by: Saint Andrew Press Price: £25

The editors of this book – including the Principal of New College in Edinburgh – have worked hard to provide an updated edition encompassing Scotland’s religious poetry.

This publication has offered the opportunity to update a version first published in 2000. Much has changed in Scotland (and the world) in the near-quarter century since then and the editors have clearly been keen to reflect that landscape, whilst also incorporating new work by contemporary poets.

Contributions range from Gavin Douglas and George Buchanan to Robert Louis Stevenson and George Matheson and also include work by Edwin Muir and Hugh MacDiarmid. Some well-known contemporary names with Church of Scotland connections are included – namely Kenneth Steven and Jock Stein.

In an introduction the scale and scope of the challenge is defined – and the difficult decisions that had to be made by the editors on including work in updating a valued and valuable publication for all interested in matters of faith and its reflection through the medium of poetry. The 320 page hardback will be valued by those regularly involved in worship as a source of inspiration but the book will also be enjoyed by those who simply appreciate good poetry with poets of all times and ages represented in this seminal collection.

The book also clearly illustrates the evolution of language through the centuries but also demonstrates the eternal presence of faith through all ages and beyond.

The publication will appeal to a broad range of literary enthusiasts, historians and theologians.

THE GIFT OF STILLNESS

Iona Pilgrim Ways

Published by: Wild Goose Publications Price: £10.99

Published by the imprint of the Iona Community this lovely book is designed to offer stillness and seamlessly weaves together scripture, geography, experience and literature encouraging readers to reflect on the many spiritual gifts and beauty of Iona.

The author, a member of the Iona Community, has previously written for both an academic and general audience and this book is most definitely aimed at the latter.

Building on her long experience of the island, the volume is divided into three parts and whilst principally aimed at those seeking to go on pilgrimage around the small island, encouraging them to find moments of stillness, it is equally of interest for readers interested in learning more about the spirituality, beauty and geography of the island.

The first part offers a series of reflections, considering the history and buildings and prayers long associated with the island and are offered principally for individual contemplation.

The second section guides readers through the cloisters and modern carvings and, according to the author, can be completed as part of a small group. This section also includes a focus on the natural world.

The third section offers insight on a pilgrimage around the island by boat and neatly covers all the familiar landmarks beloved of walkers and visitors, including Martyrs’ Bay, Sandeels Bay and Columba’s Bay, along with the machair and the White Strand of the Monks.

For those who have visited Iona, this will feel like coming home, but will also offer new insights on all they have already experienced, whilst for those who have not visited the island, this work offers further gentle encouragement and confirmation of the beauty and spirituality of this unique island.

Perhaps the best summary of the purpose of the book lies in the author’s introduction: ‘The island’s story touches our present concerns while it informs our knowledge of this place. The island is where many find a spark of the Divine, the endlessly practical and inexplicable gift of love which expands as the need arises and allows those on earth to find heaven drawn down to meet them.

‘Iona remains a place of pilgrimage, a place where people meet a love large enough to hold their questioning and grief and bring away with them strange gifts of love and blessing.’

Lynne McNeil

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