Books by Julia Watson

As more and more secular funerals are taking place, there is a need for appropriate texts. The Poet Laureate spoke recently of the importance of 'epitaphs' for people: poems or songs which commemorate their lives. Actress Julia Watson, married to the poet David Harsent, was confronted with the issue when her father died, and the result is this inspiring collection of 70 poems and prose extracts suitable for reading at funerals and celebrations of a life. The selections range from Shakespeare to Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation, from Christina Rossetti to St Francis of Assissi, and included are some very short pieces which could be printed on an order of service.

Traditionally the birth of a child has been marked by some form of religious 'welcoming' service and whilst many people still take this option, in our increasingly secular society, there has been a wish by many parents to celebrate the birth of their offspring with some other formal occasion.Local authorities in the UK now offer civil naming ceremonies in the same way they offer civil marriage ceremonies. And though only introduced in 2002, this scheme is fast growing in popularity. This third anthology in Julia Watson's series of poems and readings for both secular and religious ceremonies fills a real gap in the market.

As recent reports suggest, many fewer weddings are now taking place in church. For those that are not having the traditional wedding service, it can be a problem finding suitable material to be read at a civil ceremony. And even some traditionalists like to have something extra read at their wedding lunch or party. This inspiring book offers 70 poems and readings which celebrate love and union - and offer the prospect of a lifetime's shared happiness.