Callender Press books
The Joys and Troubles of a Missionary Life: Jowett Murray in the China of 1909-1945
A man surveys the life of his father, a British missionary to China, in this biography. From its opening chapter, which introduces readers to Jowett Murray as he studies Confucianism and Taoism on a ship bound for Asia, this biography centers on the nearly 40 years the Oxford-educated Christian missionary spent in China from 1909 to 1945. Mostly written by Jowett’s son, David, the book was completed by Ruth Finnegan, the author’s wife, following his deteriorating health in 2022. And while written by David, the book emphasizes that it “is no hagiography” and is careful to balance its overall favorable analysis with examples of times when the missionary engaged in “unpleasant personal feuding.”
The 2025 edition makes Finnegan’s ground-breaking research available to the next generation of scholars. It includes a new introduction, additional images and an updated bibliography, as well as its original chapters on poetry, prose, 'drum language' and drama, and an overview of the social, linguistic and historical background of oral literature in Africa. Oral Literature in Africa has been accessed by hundreds of readers in over 60 different countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and numerous other African countries. Oral Literature in Africa is part of the World Oral Literature Series in conjunction with the World Oral Literature Project.
There Was a Naughty Boy is a delightful journey through the playful and rhythmic verses of John Keats, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by José Sépi. Originally penned as a letter to his sister, this lively poem tells the story of a mischievous boy who ventures to Scotland and discovers universal truths about the world around him. With its timeless charm and lyrical wit, this book captures the essence of Keats's humour and creativity, making it an engaging read for children and adults alike. Ruth's expertise as a celebrated writer complements Sépi's vivid artistry, creating a joyful celebration of poetry, curiosity, and adventure. Perfect for introducing young readers to the magic of classic literature!”
The Black ink Colouring Book is the art-companion companion to the novel The Black Inked Pearl. It is also a colouring book with images for YOU to colour in using YOUR imagination. On some pages it builds on the traditional form of colouring - inside firm lines - on others it calls, more daringly, on the modern technology of blurred and rubbed colouring, And there is more - think COLOUR SECRETS: What are these colours that we see and try to copy? How are they made? How did they start and what (if anything) do they mean? Are colours perhaps only a trick of the light or of the way our eyes see, not really of any independent existence?
SECOND EDITION our current Best Seller. How to Be a Bad Cook - The Ultimate Quick Guide by Ruth Finnegan is a joyful celebration of imperfect, down-to-earth cooking. With humor, warmth, and wisdom gained from years of trial and error, Ruth invites readers to embrace their “good-bad cook” side. This unique guide blends practical advice with entertaining insights into the history and culture of food, while offering a trove of accessible recipes and adaptable methods for everyday meals. Filled with tips on everything from salvaging kitchen mishaps to preparing delicious emergency dishes, this book encourages cooks of all skill levels to ditch perfectionism and find joy in cooking for loved ones. Drawing on her Irish roots, global culinary experiences, and cherished family recipes, Ruth offers not just a collection of recipes but a heartfelt message: cooking isn’t about impressing others; it’s about nourishing and enjoying life with those around you. A perfect pick for busy cooks, fans of culinary history, or anyone who appreciates a bit of humor in the kitchen, How to Be a Bad Cook will leave you smiling and inspired to create delicious memories, one “good-bad” meal at a time.
Are they really today’s dinosaurs as against us mammals and how does their evolution compare with that of humans and their lifestyle, parenting, tools, travelling and intelligence – better or worse? Was it they who first discovered music and then taught us – and do they too have an aesthetic sense and a joy in play? What about the art of birds and – well, how many poems or proverbs about birds do you know? This beautifully argued and illustrated book gives some startling answers. It contends, most unusually, that it is time for us to revise the widespread assumption, most distinctly expressed in Harari’s magnificent best-selling Sapiens and Homo dues, that we humans are the Lords of the Earth. Rather, Callender argues, it is for humans, not after all so unlike birds, to share the guardianship of our precious world with this wonderful parallel species. We have our gifts too, but birds have the advantage of many more millions of years and climate changes here in which to learn and survive as highly intelligent and generous guardians of our precious earth.
Discover what the The Ten Commandments of St Fiacre and the 10 Commandments of Road Safety are all about. Discover the lives of taxi drivers: hidden in plain sight, here, there, and everywhere – sometimes, invisible! Learn the history that created taxis, Hackney carriages and all. Consider their urban setting with case studies and interviews from Milton Keynes. And, taxi drivers: who are they, where are they from, how did they get here? Trials, traumas and triumphs. What is ‘The job' what is ‘The Knowledge'. What’s new? All this, only on Uber! Earnings… and much more.
This book uncovers the hidden depths below simply urban living and then leads the reader into further inspiring knowledge about the ‘real me’ behind the taxi driver. Who would believe that an accurate, meticulous account of a down-to-earth subject like taxi drivers in Milton Keynes would lead into the deeper fathoms of the human soul and of what lies beyond. Your view of the familiar streets will be transformed!
Yes, this is a book about grass!
A lush, green, family of weeds that is fine by us so long as it populates our front lawns, and not the cracks in the sidewalk. Stubbornly resilient and found the world over, grasses thrive in the harshest of conditions and end up in our furniture, our alcohol, and our art. Even its colour – green – is steeped in magic, mythology, and mystery.
We see it every day, tread in it, scent it, maybe plant it. But how many of us really see it – let alone appreciate its incredibly abundant legacy? Grass is a comprehensive, prize-winning account of that humble sustaining weed: its science, its incredible number of species, its long and complicated evolution, and its place in cultures across the globe. Written for agriculturists and nature-lovers alike, this book invites readers to revisit the ordinary with a sense of wonder and curiosity. This beautifully illustrated book, engaging and readable, gives us the full picture.
Join Kate on a journey around her as she searches high and low for the butterflies she knows must be hiding somewhere. Count with Kate as she meets a cheekly squirrel some friendly frogs, dancing dragonflies and other friends. Bright colours, easy to read and lots of things to see and spot makes this book perfect for learning to count as well as learning more about some of the animals around us.
Published by
Callender Press
(at the printers)
Coming soon by Callender Press.
Available on Amazon
Coming soon by Callender Press. Available on Amazon
Published by
Callender Press
Published by
Callender Press
Published by
Callender Press