Books by John Bowden

Despite the widespread opinion that calamities foster learning processes, there is much evidence that failure remains the norm. This book explores whether learning in the context of calamities occurs at all, and if so, under which conditions learned knowledge and practices can be achieved and preserved on a societal level in the long run.

Weddings have come a long way since the first etiquette books were written. Today families come in such variety that more and more couples are sensibly throwing etiquette to the wind and relying instead on their own common sense. So where does the father of the bride fit into all of this? There are so many ways you can help, both emotionally and practically. You'll find that one of your responsibilities - apart from walking your daughter down the aisle and making a speech - is ensuring that the chaos of wedding details, and any family feuds or financial stress, don't ultimately get in the way of making your daughter's wedding day the happiest time in her life. This will be a big day for you, too, with the speech playing an important part in the proceedings. You'll want to get it just right so that you speak from the heart but enliven sentiment with humour, and your speech is remembered for years to come - for all the right reasons. This book is packed with valuable tips and advice about: - Conveying just the right messages to your daughter and her husband-to-be - Understanding what is traditionally expected of you - Keeping everyone calm and defusing any pre-wedding tensions and conflicts - Making a memorable speech - Helping everyone have a great time!

Christianity has carried on down the centuries, and its doctrine has been regarded as unaffected by changes. This book presents a story involving key individuals, events, intellectual developments, wars, migrations, cultural and scientific innovations, all of which connected with particular times and places.

I know exactly what you are thinking. It seemed such a good idea at the time, but now you are beginning to realise there's going to be more to it than just turning up on time and handing over the ring. Am I right, or am I right? Fear not. Whether the happy couple has a traditional white wedding vision or a modernist view of their big day, this handbook will show you how to become their perfect best man...a best man who knows how to combine the best of the old with the best of the new. The groom will be glad he chose you. So pour yourself a cold one, sit back and get ready to learn how to turn a stressful honour into a piece of (wedding) cake.

This ground-breaking book, now available in paperback for the first time, looks at the theory and practice of learning and how universities can improve their quality and competence.

The de facto book for advice on speech-making essentials, great openings, strong middles, big finishes, plus putting it all together and delivering the speech itself.

What are the golden rules of speech making? How should you respond to the toast to the bride and groom? And which people do you need to thank and how? The answers to all these questions and more are here in this much-needed book. Now you can make your wedding day speech memorable for all the right reasons!-- Add sincerity, sparkle and humor-- Enjoy the big dayContents: Learning the essentials; conveying your feelings to guests; adding a little humour; finding the ideal beginning and ending; putting it all together; getting the delivery right; stories, jokes and one-liners for your speech; sample speeches.