Books by Robert Murray

When the Swinging Sixties arrived in Tayside, Robert Murray had just become the youngest manager in the history of famous grocery business William Low & Co. Ltd. at only nineteen years of age. Little could he have realised that this was to be just the beginning of a decade of incredible social and cultural change for Scotland and the wider world - a revolution which would touch every life and workplace.In this sequel to his much-loved book The Grocer's Boy, Robert discusses the trials and tribulations of being a traditional grocer at the dawn of the supermarket age, before moving on to new challenges later in the decade which included an eventful tenure in the fast-moving domain of college education and a step further afield into the busy corporate world.Recounting his loving family ties and enduring friendships, marriage and parenthood, nostalgic reminiscence and thoughtful reflection, The Grocer's Boy Rides Again takes a fresh look at this most iconic of decades, considering a country which was in a period of rapid transition but where a helpful attitude and good customer service remained of paramount importance.

Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology guides readers through the scientific concepts of exercise physiology with highly visual, easy-to-follow content. The text applies complex concepts of physiology to exercise programme design, giving health and fitness professionals an accessible resource to use with their clients.

The whole world knows the legend that is Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. But what was the story behind the meteoric success of this literary genius, whose works are still performed and enjoyed to this very day?Appearing in print for the first time, Robert Murray's acclaimed stage play follows the life of Burns from his formative years in Ayr through to his success and celebrity in Edinburgh and later farming life in Dumfries. You will meet his friends, learn of his inspirations, and discover intimate details of his many romantic encounters.Related with warm wit and keen insight, The Spirit of Robbie Burns delves into the life of one of Scotland's most complex and colourful characters to explore his timeless work and the world he lived in. The text of the play is accompanied by performance notes and detailed appendices, which will make it an essential addition to any good Burns Night celebration.

A new edition of the study of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE: its beliefs and worship; its life and art.In this classic work, Robert Murray offers the fullest and most vivid picture yet available of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization. He is interested in the subsequent influence of Syriac Christian culture, particularly on European literature.The largely revised Introduction (now assisted by a sketch map) locates Syriac as an Aramaic dialect, then traces the origins of Syriac Christianity, its relationship to Jewish Christianity and the Syriac Bible version, the character of Syriac asceticism (including Marcionism and Manichaeism), and of the Christian schools. Key Syriac terms are explained, and all citation of Syriac texts throughout the work are given in translation either by other scholars or by the author.The second part of the introduction reviews the literature studied in the following chapters, concentrating on Aphrahat and Ephrem. In both parts, a number of positions adopted in the first edition are revised in the light of recent studies, the bibliographical details of which are given in the greatly increased number of footnotes.This book deals with a topic of interdisciplinary importance, at the cultural crossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds of east and west, and of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It will be of interest to a wide range of scholars and students.

Murray's study of the covenant theme begins with a chronological survey of the concept, beginning at the creation itself. The concept is a shared one between Judaism and Christianity, and Murray suggests that it continues to have ecological as well as spiritual relevance to the world today.

A study of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE, its beliefs and worship, its life and art. This book offers a vivid picture of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization.