Books by John Watts

THIS SHORT, BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK serves as an introduction to Francis for all those who may be interested in the saint. His Canticle is an apt 'way in' to him, for as Chesterton pointed out nearly a century ago, it is 'a supremely characteristic work' and 'much of St Francis can be reconstructed from it alone'. This book will also be a useful resource for Franciscans, in particular for those in the Secular Franciscan Order, for possible use in formation and discussion. In the vast literature on Francis and Franciscanism much has been written concerning his poem, and though most of it has been in Italian, French or German, several valuable works have appeared in English. Each in its different way is highly thought-provoking, as well as deeply spiritual and Franciscan. Each takes its own approach to the Canticle, so that it largely complements the others and says much that is new. The approach here is different again, so that those who have already read many or all of the other books should still find fresh insights and further knowledge. Seeking to grasp and express the meaning of the Canticle, the essential key is to be found in Scripture: the Old and New Testaments were always Francis' own main sources. Scripture informs all his writing and his works are dense with biblical allusions. His Canticle is no exception-with no direct biblical quotations or references, it is the free poetry of a man thoroughly versed in Scripture, which is his constant background companion. In this fascinating introduction, John Watts provides a fresh new translation as well as the original Umbrian to provide the texture and rhythm of St Francis' original composition, shown against its historical and literary background.

Number 37 is the home of the Stout Priest and his dog Abey, and of his niece and nephew in their school holidays. The children are from the city and visit whenever they can, because they love the country and the creatures who live in their uncle's garden and in the field and forest and river close by.This book is about those creatures. Each chapter is about a different one, and is a story in itself. But as the year goes round chapter by chapter, and the creatures and humans re-appear from time to time, the whole book becomes a single story, which reaches a climax on Easter night.The Creatures of Number 37 will delight children, and charm many adults too - all indeed who remember their own childhood fondly and have a love of nature and of animals wild and tame.John Watts began writing books after retiring from a career in teaching. This is his tenth, and his first venture into children's fiction. His previous published works include Histories, a Biography and a novel. John is married and has six children and ten grandchildren. He lives in Addiewell, a former mining village in West Lothian, Scotland.

Synposis "The Grand National Lobotomy" is a two way book comprising an anthology of poetry and the script of John Watts' play "The Last Picasso." The poetry is divided into sections including Life & Death & Philosophy, Up & Away Characters Observed, 10 Poems in a Day; all reflecting John's sardonic humour. "The Last Picasso " is the story of a writer resolving things with his daughter before his death. In exchange for helping him, Picasso is allowed to return to earth and create one last great artwork! About the Author John Watts' 34 year career has included 20 albums & 3000 concerts festivals worldwide. His family were singers. He developed his musical career in punk clubs while studying clinical psychology and working in mental hospitals. He and his band Fischer-Z were signed by UA Records alongside The Buzzcocks and the The Stranglers. The band toured Europe and North America with artists such as Bob Marley, The Police and Dire Straits. European success increased exponentially with Red Skies Over Paradise (1981), establishing John Watts as a "political commentator in song." His first three solo albums included the experimental The Iceberg Model (1983). A second Fischer-Z era included single success, 'The Perfect Day' and the political 'Say No' single. During this period Watts performed to 167,000 people at a Peace Festival in East Berlin alongside James Brown. He made Destination Paradise (1991) at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios and his next 3 albums continued to highlight some of the darker areas of human exploitation in their lyrics. He returned solo again with Thirteen Stories High (1997) before producing Bigbeatpoetry (1999) with DJ Ingo Worner - revealing a radical approach combining poetry, prose and song lyrics. His current era of multimedia solo material began with Ether Music & Film (2002), where he travelled internationally in search of random musicians and recorded them in situ on his laptop. Real Life Is Good Enough (2004), included a book of poetry and short stories. His 2010 last solo release Morethanmusic added improvised orchestral cut-ups and a filmic dimension.

First Published in 1968. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.