Human beings build their worlds using metaphors. Just as computer technology has inaugurated a massive metaphorical transformation in the present era, in which we can 'reboot' social causes or 'program' human behaviour, books spawned new metaphorical worlds in the newly print-savvy early modern England. Pamphleteers appealed to books to stage political attacks, preachers formulated theological claims using metaphors of page and binding, and scientists claimed to leaf through the 'Book of N...

An intellectual history of scurvy in the eighteenth centuryScurvy, a disease often associated with long stretches of maritime travel, generated sensations exceeding the standard of what was normal. Eyes dazzled, skin was morbidly sensitive, emotions veered between disgust and delight. In this book, Jonathan Lamb presents an intellectual history of scurvy unlike any other, probing the speechless encounter with powerful sensations to tell the story of the disease tha...

Christians the world over are under pressure, facing difficulties and dangers of all kinds. Nehemiah was raised up to lead God’s people at a critical moment, and the story of his practical realism and courageous faith is vital for Christians today. Providing an overview of the Nehemiah story, this book explains the critical importance of choosing God’s priorities and truly hearing and responding to God’s word. It tackles essential themes for Christian living, including how we can know God’...

In a world that idolizes celebrity and success, 2 Corinthians remains one of our most vital and significant reminders that it is not human strength but God’s power that paves the way for victory in the spiritual realm. In this accessible and relevant book, Jonathan Lamb explores key lessons for authentic Christian ministry, including the role of suffering in strengthening our dependence on God, the necessity of both discipline and forgiveness in our church communities, and the centrality o...

One of the new forms of prose fiction that emerged in the eighteenth century was the first-person narrative told by things such as coins, coaches, clothes, animals, or insects. This is an ambitious new account of the context in which these "it narratives" became so popular. What does it mean when property declares independence of its owners and begins to move and speak? Jonathan Lamb addresses this and many other questions as he advances a new interpretation of these odd tales, from Defoe,...

Across the barriers of race, class, culture and denomination, Christians are united through the transforming power of the gospel of grace. Yet instead of walls dismantled and alienations healed, churches are often characterised by ugly division, narrow tribalism and painful fragmentation.In a world characterised by growing social division, hostile identity politics and polarised cyber tribes - all compounded by shrill voices on social media - the author unfolds the...

In a world which often seems out of control, Christians today need to make a vital spiritual journey through the book of Habakkuk. This journey begins with life’s toughest questions. It involves times of patient waiting. But it leads to a revelation of God’s greatness and the discovery that he truly is in control of the world, the events of history, and of our own lives. We discover that God can be trusted, even in the darkest times. From Why to Worship is structured with sections and subs...

'Jonathan Lamb has done an excellent job... The message that God is in control and is enough, even in the most difficult circumstances, rings out loud and clear.' Clare Heath-Whyte, author of First Wives' Club and Old Wives' TalesWho is in control? The sustained threat from rogue states, international terrorism, religious extremists, and moral confusion arising from liberal views of all kinds begs the question: what is happening to our world?Is no-one in co...

The purpose of our lives is to know the God of the universe who made us and loves us. It is this purpose that biblical preaching meets through explaining God’s word. Biblical preaching centres around proclaiming God’s Word and preachers are to be mouthpieces for God as we encounter the living Christ through Scripture. Jonathan Lamb illustrates the power of God’s Word by focusing our attention on the heart, task and purpose of preaching by leading us through Nehemiah 8:1-12. Reworked to ben...

This work represents a concise history of sympathy in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, considering the phenomenon of shared feeling from five related angles: charity, the market, global exploration, theatre, and torture.

One of the biggest questions facing Christians today is, ‘How can I live wisely?’. Given all that we say about the Christian faith, is it possible to live an authentic, credible Christian life that demonstrates faith that works? Covering a wide range of practical challenges - whether trial and temptation, or poverty and riches, or our use of words, or our patience in suffering, or our struggle with the world, the flesh and the devil - James helps us become wholehearted disciples of Jesus C...

Economics has become a taboo topic because is not well understood. As a taboo topic it doesn't get discussed, and since it is not discussed, it is not understood—what a vicious cycle!Shying away from open discussions about money, budgets, markets, and trade has resulted in many misconceptions. Economics is all around us, and with a little common sense understanding of economic principals, Jonathan M. Lamb changes the way people view the world. Economics is Like...