Books published by Shepheard-Walwyn (Publishers) Ltd

This book is aimed at presenting a common-sense, first-principles, philosophical perspective on a vital subject that seems to have lost its way. There is such a thing as justice, there is such a thing as truth; and these two need not be lost forever.

The author tackles these questions in a direct, open way of interest to believers and non-believers alike. In fact he asks 'If you do not believe, do you wish there were an afterlife?'

This volume and its companions contain the first English translation of the letters written by the philosopher-priest who helped to shape the changes that we associate with the Renaissance.

This book traces the cause of poverty to a widely accepted social institution, just as slavery once was, and reveals a way in which this defect could be remedied by introducing a more efficient way of funding government.

MARSILIO FICINO of Florence (1433-99) was one of the most influential thinkers of the Renaissance. He put before society a new ideal of human nature, emphasising its divine potential. As teacher and guide to a remarkable circle of men, he made a vital contribution to changes that were taking place in European thought.

The first biography of the man who launched the self-help phenomenon. Based on contemporary sources, many previously unexamined. Addresses timeless questions - of progress and freedom, success and failure, work and happiness, the individual and the state. A story rich in present-day relevance - topical and controversial.

This is the second edition of Polly Higgins' book which exposes corporate and political ecocide and proposes environmental law needed to prevent earth's trajectory towards disaster.

Economic inequality has reached historic highs worldwide. Almost half the world's wealth is now owned by just 1% of the population. Disparities in the distribution of wealth have grown far more extreme than disparities in income. This is the result of a broken 'system' and no amount of business-as-usual will solve it, the author argues.

This engaging poem depicts Winston Churchill as a hero, in traditional epic style and echoes the works of Homer and Virgil. The metre adds an emotional intensity to the events of 20th century history more usually found within Classical literature.

South Africa, like many countries in Africa, is resource rich but the benefits are not shared by the whole population. High levels of unem-ployment are leading to increasing conflict and violence, undermining the brighter future hoped for when apartheid was abolished.

Ficino's commentary on Plato's Timaeus offers the English reader, for the first time, an opportunity to share the insights of this highly influential Renaissance philosopher into one of Plato's most important works. It provides rich source material for those interested in philosophy, the history of cosmic theory, Platonic and Renaissance studies.

The second volume of the letters of Marsilio Ficino, who was an influential figure of the Italian Renaissance. This translation comprises the third book of Ficino's letters ("Liber III"), as published during his lifetime, and dates from August 1476 to May 1477.

Tracing the life of the author's father, this title follows him through his childhood in the west of England, his successful 25-year career in the Indian Army prior to the country's independence in 1947, and his final years in Devonshire, where he raised a family while the symptoms of Huntington's disease gradually set in.

Marsilio Ficino (1433-99) was one of the most influential thinkers of the Renaissance. He put before society a new ideal of human nature, emphasizing its divine potential. This title features his principles which have formed the basis of good government and inspired statesmen down the ages.

In these witty poems, St Claire Bullock ponders the foibles and vanities of us mortals. Written in rhyming couplets, they follow the style of Hilaire Belloc, Ogden Nash and Edward Lear, with the author's own comic flourish. Some poems are represented in pen and ink caricatures.

Marcus Aurelius, one of the greatest Roman emperors, is remembered less for his military exploits than for his private reflections. His Meditations, as they became known, have been a major influence on Western thought and behaviour. Inspired by their wisdom, Stedall has sought to present them in a contemporary, more digestible way.

This is Glasgow, rich in variety, seen through the twinkling eyes of a likeable cab-driver whose humanity shines through.

Three billion people in the world live on less than $2 a day. Mark Braund, an economic philosopher by experience, has spent 15 years wrestling with these issues personally and professionally. The result is The Possibility of Progress in which he attempts to explain how we got into this mess, and why conventional politics cannot get us out of it.