Tuesday 5 December 2023

The Spirit of Christmas - A carol

 

I write a satirical column for our church magazine. My motto comes from Desiderius Erasmus: "What is the matter with telling the truth with a smile?" I have just written this carol which, I hope, makes some serious points beneath the fun. The three characters have had their personalities developed over three decades but I think it is clear from their verses what their attitudes are. I hope some of you know "HMS Pinafore" and will be able to hum along, or even burst into song. 


A Trio for Christmas: Tune – “Never mind the why and wherefore” by Sir Arthur Sullivan (abridged)

 

Thumbscrew Widget:      Let’s give thanks for Christmas frolic, often very alcoholic,

    Twelve whole days of getting plastered going on through Hogmanay.

    Carol singing, bottles clinking, Christmas is a special day!

All:                                          Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary, and the Child.

 

Seth the Preacher:           There’s too much of Christmas frolic, often far too alcoholic

                                         Just commercial exploitation, all awash with gin and beer.

                                         It’s the Roman Saturnalia. Cromwell had the right idea!

All:                          BUT…..  Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.

 

Parkin Slipshod:               All enjoy the Christmas frolic, whether dry or alcoholic.

                                          Kings or Shepherds – even Angels – mark the feast in your own way.

                                          Even if you don’t like turkey, Christmas is a special day.

All:                          SO…….. Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.

 

Tuesday 9 May 2023

Coniston Landscapes

 My next exhibition will be in The Institute, Yewdale Road, Coniston. Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 10.00 - 6.00 Monday May 22, 10.00 - 4.00. It is in aid  (50/50) of the Mountain Rescue Team. I have only twice had to call out the Coniston MRT, when I have met other fell walkers in difficulties, but I can think of no better cause for lovers of the Lake District fells. 

There will be large paintings, medium-sized paintings, small paintings, hand-painted cards, Christmas cards, and post cards. 







Prices - well, original paintings can't cost nothing, but these will be far less than gallery prices. There's no need to buy anything anyway (though I hope you will). There will be plenty of ways just to donate lots to the MRT.

Coniston Water is, of course, the main subject in many of the paintings. 




But there are many pictures made from high on the fells - mostly in easy walking range of the village.



The little corners, appreciated as you walk past can be just as important to a lover of the district as the wide vistas.



Almost all the pictures are of the Coniston area, but I am lucky to have a possible place to stay in Borrowdale as well.



There is a wide variety of seasons and weather conditions.



Some of the pictures are of places I have loved to play for nearly 70 years. All the paintings are either from sketches, or from pitching my easel on the spot. All the paintings include vivid memories for me. There will be well over 50 paintings.





I do hope you will be able to call in. It will be lovely to see you.



Monday 31 October 2022

Remembrance

I am in the remembrance business. After decades teaching about both world wars, and taking many trips to the Ypres Salient, November 11th is not much more special than any other day. But the annual focus on remembering those who fought in both wars, and since, is very important. We are not required to judge one way or the other, but to remember.  


Four of the pieces I have published on Kindle are about the two world wars and their causes. This year, 2022, I am making them free on November 11, 12 and 13. (If you can't wait, or if you have missed those dates, don't worry; they only cost about £1.00 each.) I usually describe them as "brief but not superficial". Here they are, with links.

The Causes and the Course of the First World War

This is, as its title suggests, two separate sections. The second section does not in fact deal with the whole course, but with the specific question of why Germany lost.

The Causes and the Course of the First World War (A-Grade History Lectures Book 10) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store


Scotland and the Causes of the First World War

I was invited to give this talk in 2014 by the Colinton History Society, and I knew I must do a good job for them. On the one hand I reviewed how my own understanding of the causes of the war had changed and developed during my life, in the light of published material available. On the other hand I looked at the Scottish experience; in particular I researched newspapers of July and August 1914. I think the result was interesting.

Scotland and the Causes of the First World War (Lectures in Scottish History) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store


The Causes of the Second World War and Appeasement.

This is another piece that was originally written as two separate lectures. The first looks at the world-wide causes of a world-wide war. There was a lot more going on than Britain versus Germany. The second goes through a series of points about the specific policy of appeasement. It is notorious for not working, of course, but there were many reasons for following the policy which looked good at the time.

The Causes of the Second World War and Appeasement (A-Grade History Lectures Book 4) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store


Why did the Allies win the Second World War?

As a student I developed a reputation with my supervisors for a style of writing that said a great deal in a few words. I can hardly believe that this piece covers such a massive subject in so few words - but it does. It will not take you long to read a very great deal about the Second World War. Of course the War could be a life-time study, and still not complete at the end of it, but you have to start somewhere.

Why did the Allies win the Second World War? (A-Grade History Lectures Book 11) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

Sunday 25 September 2022

Magnificat

Service With a Smile by DES

What is the wrong with telling the truth with a smile?” Desiderius Erasmus to Martin Dorp, 1515

 

 

Culture Clash

 

The Episcopalian watchdog, OFFbish, has received the strongest possible hint from the new Prime Minister that, among other things, churches must not make political statements and must on no account attempt to radicalise their members. The letter from 10 Downing Street continues:

 

“In particular we note that every Sunday evening – indeed weekdays as well in some collegiate foundations and in cathedrals – you are guilty of this practice. You oblige the congregation to sing, or to listen to, the words: “He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek.” We would be prepared to accept the excuse that this dangerous doctrine arises from our Levelling Up Agenda. But it is a gross distortion of it. It is similar to suggesting that the free speech to which we are committed allows you to say things – woke nonsense, for example - of which we disapprove. However, later on in the same rabble-rousing chorus members are encouraged to sing “And the rich he hath sent empty away”. Not only is this clean contrary to government policy, it is clearly a most dangerous clause to sing in churches. Imagine if children, or other weak-minded people, were to take it at face value?”

 

And so OFFbish has instructed the Council for the Reappraisal of the Anglican Prayer Book to retranslate the Song of Mary into more politically acceptable language. As The Not Very Reverend Parkin Slipshod (Platitudinarian) explained: “Biblical scholars are increasingly aware of the need not to take the imagery of the Gospel writers literally. The word “rich” clearly does not refer to money, dividends or party donors, but is, rather, a metaphor.”

 

DORP: What rubbish!

 

DES: You will also, my old friend, be pleased to hear of the efforts to tempt more people back into the churches by re-examining and, if necessary rewriting, some of the more difficult passages of holy writ. The project has not got far, but one awkward verse has been recast thus:

“And another of his disciples said to him: Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him: Would it not be better to wait until he is dead?”

 

 

 


Saturday 27 August 2022

My Lighter Pieces


 

The oldest things on my list were plays I wrote – for junior pupils but for adult audiences. I have only published the ones I think you might enjoy, whatever your age.  They all cost less than a pint of beer, and, indeed, if you are a Kindle Unlimited person, they are free.

 

Cockburn’s Edinburgh This isn’t all fun, to be sure. It includes a duel, a public execution and a miscarriage of justice. But Henry Cockburn’s “Memorials” are perhaps the most readable book on Edinburgh history, and I have tried to keep his quiet wit. I wrote it with the deliberate intention of passing on a lot of Edinburgh history, and entertaining audiences at the same time.

Cockburn's Edinburgh (Plays by a History Teacher Book 1) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

Three Wise Men I took the Christmas Story as told by St Matthew and had him retell it for a modern audience. My intention was to raise a lot of laughs and to provoke a lot of thought. I am happy with the result. It also casts a critical eye over the teaching profession and the nature of wisdom.

Three Wise Men: A Christmas Play (Plays by a history teacher Book 2) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

The Baker Street Irregulars This is a Sherlock Holmes play. I devised a new story, involving Wiggins and his gang, as well as Holmes and Watson. The story involves Moriarty, and a nihilist bomb plot. Much of the action is set in a music hall, and part of the fun was to incorporate lots of well-known music hall songs. You can hum along as you read.

The Baker Street Irregulars (Plays by a History Teacher) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Curse of Donald Bane This one is about David I of Scotland and the founding of Edinburgh. I realised after I had written it that it has echoes of Rosemary Sutcliff in the approach, but I am happy with that. It is so much a play of a history teacher that it contains footnotes with primary sources.

The Curse of Donald Bane (Plays of a History Teacher Book 4) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Secret of Eilean Mhor During lock-down I wrote a children’s adventure story for my grandsons – and illustrated it. I was sure it was good enough to publish, so here it is. It is really a celebration of wonderful holidays on the west coast of Scotland, with an adventure as well.

The Secret of Eilean Mhor eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

An Introduction to the Renaissance This is one of my history lectures, but I really wrote it not for exams but for those who may have many ideas and experiences of the Renaissance - maybe visitors to Italy - but would like to get their ideas in order. As well as talking about art, I also deal briefly with humanism.

An Introduction to the Renaissance (A-grade History Lectures Book 15) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Saturday 13 August 2022

History for Pupils and Students

 

 

Some of my Kindle pieces were written with senior school pupils very much in mind. Some of them are for those generally interested in history, but many fit closely with common exam topics. They are brief but not at all superficial.

 

It is hoped they go a little beyond the more straightforward text-books. Anyhow, here are the links to those ones. 

 

The Reformation

The Protestant Reformation briefly explained eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

James IV: Scotland’s Renaissance King

James IV: Scotland's Renaissance King (Lectures in Scottish History Book 4) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The “Glorious” Whig revolution: 1670-1720

The "Glorious" Whig Revolution 1670-1720: explained with the help of "The Vicar of Bray" (A grade history lectures Book 17) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Jacobites

The Jacobites (Lectures in Scottish History Book 6) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna Reassessed (A-grade History Lectures Book 13) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store


Slavery and the Causes of the American Civil War

Slavery and the Causes of the American Civil War (A-grade History Lectures Book 14) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

Bismarck and the making of the German Empire

Bismarck and the Making of the German Empire (A-Grade History Lectures Book 5) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Development of Democracy in Britain: 1850-1918

The Development of Democracy in Britain: 1850-1918 (A-Grade History Lectures Book 6) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

Scotland and the Causes of the First World War

Scotland and the Causes of the First World War (Lectures in Scottish History) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Russian Revolution of 1917

The Russian Revolution of 1917 (A-Grade History Lectures Book 3) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

Votes for Women!

Votes for Women! (A-Grade History Lectures Book 1) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

Hitler’s Rise to Power.

Hitler's Rise to Power (a-Grade History Lectures Book 2) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

The Causes of the Second World War and Appeasement

The Causes of the Second World War and Appeasement (A-Grade History Lectures Book 4) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

Why did the Allies win the Second World War?

Why did the Allies win the Second World War? (A-Grade History Lectures Book 11) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Books


The Cold War

The Cold War (A-Grade History Lectures Book 7) eBook : Harris, George: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

 

 

 

Saturday 9 October 2021

The Founding of the Edinburgh Academy

 

 Between 1760 and 1820 the New Town was built in Edinburgh. In 1824 The Edinburgh Academy was founded, a new school for this new town. Partly this was a convenience for those who lived in that part of the city. But the early nineteenth century was a time of radical thought in many fields, so perhaps there was more going on than mere convenience.

 

The French Revolution at that time dominated radical thoughts. However, the ideas of the French Revolution are not simple; rival revolutionaries did each other to death over disputes. Is Napoleon counted as a Revolutionary? Two ideas, however, can be asserted as general to the French Revolutionaries. One was that the influence of religion over politics, over life in general, should be greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether. The other was that power in society should not come “top down”, based on birth. Exactly what “bottom up” version of power should replace it was one of the things disputed, to the point of killing.

 

The Edinburgh Academy was widely seen as a Whig scheme. The founders tried to dilute this political wrangling by inviting Walter Scott (avowedly Tory) to be the first Chairman of Directors. The Whigs were less utterly against the French Revolution than the Tories. However, even though they eventually evolved into the Liberal Party forty years later, in 1824 they were as opposed to democracy as were the Tories. On the other issue, the influence of religion, they did agree more with the French Revolution. Incidentally, the terms “Whig” and “Tory” do not carry quite the same meaning in Scotland as they do in England. Jacobite memories took a long while fading and Whig meant “anti-Jacobite”. Also the Established Church (which Tories supported in England) in Scotland was the Presbyterian Kirk, not the Church of England.

 

There was also the Scottish Enlightenment. Its great days – associated with Hume, Smith, Hutton and others - had preceded 1789. Leonard Horner, who shared the original idea of the new school, The Edinburgh Academy, was steeped in that tradition. He was involved in the foundation of London University and of what developed into Heriot-Watt University. Both of these consciously moved away from the more ancient foundations, emphasising subjects other than the Classics and not at all insisting on membership of the Established Churches. At school level the academy movement is especially interesting. Consider this extract or from the Perth Town Council Minutes (1761). [ Taken from “Modern Scottish History 1707 to the Present, Vol 5” , Edited by Cooke, Donnachie, Macsween and Whatley]

“But Providence has cast our Lot in happier Times, when things begin to be valued according to their use and men of the greatest Abilitys have employed their Skill in making the Sciences contribute not only to the Improvement of the Lawyer, Physician and Divine, but to the Improvement of the Merchant, Mechanic and Farmer in their respective arts. Must it not then be of Importance to putt it in the powers of Persons in these Stations of Life to reap that advantage which Science is Capable of affording them…. From this Plan it will appear how much such an Education would differ from that which is generally pursued in our universities.”

 

But the Edinburgh Academy was not inspired by such views. Henry Cockburn, in his “Memoirs” describes the moment:

“ Leonard Horner and I had often discussed the causes, and the remedies, of the decline of classical education in Scotland; and we were satisfied that no adequate improvement could be effected so long as there was only one great classical school in Edinburgh, and this one placed under the town council, and lowered, perhaps necessarily, so as to suit the wants of a class of boys to more than two-thirds of whom classical accomplishment is seen to be useless. So one day, on top of the Pentlands we two resolved to set about the establishment of a new school.”

Clearly it was to specialise in the Classics and it was not aimed at the generality of the population. Most of the first masters were eminent teachers of the classics.

 

To understand this one must appreciate that Edinburgh society had particular characteristics. The Treaty of Union had moved much of “ruling class” life, and the excitement of a capital city, down to London. But it had left the Kirk, education, medicine and the law untouched. The hub of these learned professions was Edinburgh. While the Grand Tour was impossible during the French wars Edinburgh could feel part of mainstream Britain. Now the wars were over; ambitious young men went to Europe to finish their education, not to Edinburgh. Besides, the Edinburgh professional classes wanted their sons to be ready to succeed in England and the Empire, as well as at home. The new school did have a teacher of English, and it was insisted that he have an English accent. A major controversy in the early years was whether the English pronunciation of Latin should be taught or the traditional Scots one – even though the Scots one was the same as the best European practice. The Directors did not want their ex-pupils’ Latin tags to be laughed at south of the Border.

 

The first Directors realised they had better have a maths teacher, so they appointed the young James Gloag. He stayed for forty years. In one seven year burst he produced six Senior Wranglers at Cambridge. He also has some responsibility for the man who ought to be The Academy’s most famous former pupil: James Clerk Maxwell.