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The renowned Johannine scholar John Ashton (1931-2016) left a large number of unpublished essays at the end of his life, representing his ongoing exegetical work. Introduced here by Christopher Rowland and Catrin H. Williams, they explore important themes such as mystery and Christology arising from his ground-breaking study, Understanding the Fourth Gospel.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1862.

One of the most interesting questions facing New Testament scholarsHow did Christianity emerge from Judaism?is often addressed in general and indirect terms. John Ashton argues that in the case of the Fourth Gospel, an answer is to be found in the religious experience of the Evangelist himself, who turned from being a practicing Jew to professing a new revelation centered on Christ as the intermediary between God and humanity.

This is the first comprehensive study of St John's Gospel for nearly forty years. The author provides new and coherent answers to its two most important questions: the position of the Gospel in the history of Christian thought, and its central or governing idea. In the course of the book, helooks at the Gospel from a variety of viewpoints: historical, literary, and theological. The discussion is balanced and comprehensive and brings into play questions of origins, content, and readership. Detailed exegetical arguments that advance scholarly debate, and intricate questions ofspecialized concern, are for the most part dealt with conveniently in five major excursuses. All non-English sources are translated.

Is historical criticism of the New Testament dead? In this telling collection of eight new essays on John's Gospel, John Ashton argues that this is very far from the case. Challenging the assumptions of methodologies which ignore the historical context in which the Gospel was composed, the author offers a spirited defence of historical criticism and provides practical demonstration of the many new insights which it has still to yield. The first two chapters treat in greater depth two key themes, the Prologue of John and the Jews, which appeared in the author's Understanding the Fourth Gospel (Clarendon Paperbacks, 1993). A third chapter is intended to supplement and correct this larger work. The rest of the book explores some of the serious theoretical weaknesses in much recent writing on the Gospel and makes some alternative proposals.

John Ashton's 'The History of Bread' is a comprehensive chronicle that delves into the cultural, social, and technological aspects of one of civilization's most fundamental staples: bread. The book weaves a rich tapestry of its subject, stretching from prehistoric practices to the contemporary role of bread in various societies. With a meticulous eye for historical detail, Ashton's narrative spans continents and epochs, exploring the integral role of bread in Egypt, Assyria, Palestine, classic civilizations of Greece and Rome, Eastern lands, and its evolution in Europe and America. The book is notable for its scholarly style, blending an academic approach with engaging prose, exploring themes such as agriculture, gastronomy, and socio-economic shifts linked to bread. It locates bread within a broader literary context, referencing various historical records, tales, and the symbolisms associated with bread in religious rituals, societal customs, and communal unrest such as the infamous bread riots. In discussing the author, one must acknowledge that John Ashton's expertise and interest in food history and cultural anthropology have evidently laid the foundation for this work. Drawing upon various historical texts and scholarly research, Ashton's dedication to exploring the transformation of grain into flour, the technology of milling, and the art of bread-making are reflective of his keen pursuit of understanding humanity's relationship with this staple food. His treatment of topics like the use of bread in charity and its various depictions in legends and folklore showcases his comprehensive approach in chronicling bread's storied past. This tome is recommended for readers with a zest for gastronomic history, as well as students and academics interested in the intersections of food, culture, and society. Ashton's 'The History of Bread' is a significant contribution to food studies, offering insights into the everyday yet profound ways in which bread has shaped and been shaped by human civilization. It invites the reader to consider the loaf on their table as a product of millennia of human development, a silent witness to countless generations' struggles, triumphs, and daily life.

In "Hyde Park from Domesday-book to Date," John Ashton meticulously chronicles the rich history and evolution of one of London's most iconic green spaces. The book blends historical narrative with a critical examination of social, political, and environmental changes that have shaped Hyde Park from the 11th century to the present. Ashton's literary style weaves together vivid descriptions and archival research, offering readers an engaging account that is both informative and reflective. This work is situated within the broader context of urban studies and environmental history, making it a vital contribution to the understanding of urban parks in the evolution of metropolitan life. John Ashton, a noted scholar of urban history, has spent decades researching the development of public spaces in British cities. His academic background and lifelong fascination with London's history inspired him to explore the significance of Hyde Park beyond its recreational value. Drawing on extensive primary sources, including historical texts and government records, Ashton provides a nuanced portrayal of how this park has mirrored societal shifts and served diverse communities over the centuries. This book is highly recommended for historians, urban planners, and anyone with a keen interest in London's cultural heritage. Ashton's comprehensive approach not only informs but challenges readers to reconsider the importance of public parks in fostering community and memory. "Hyde Park from Domesday-book to Date" promises to be an enlightening read that enriches one's appreciation of this beloved London landmark.

Public health issues are rarely out of the news. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Grenfell Tower fire, new designer drugs, outbreaks of Ebola, and links between social media and mental health, occupy our thoughts and our screens. However, awareness of these events as public health issues is a recent phenomenon; for many years after the Second World War, the history of the field was eclipsed by advances in clinical science and patient care. In Practising Public Health: An Eyewitness Account, John Ashton sets the record straight. The former Regional Director of Public Health in the North West of England, and co-founder of the WHO Healthy Cities Project, shares his adventures and experiences as a leader in public health at a time of unprecedented change and challenge. He presents case studies from the frontline of public health, and tells stories that are now part of modern history. Fighting for a better public health at community, national, and international levels, John shows us how public engagement and partnership goes hand in hand with political action. The stories in this book illustrate the importance of using your imagination, challenging the status quo, and thinking on your feet when initiating change. John also reveals the thinking behind his renowned hands-on approach to public health, and explains why he insists on bridging the gap between theory and practice. Practising Public Health connects the work of nineteenth century public health giants to that of today's twenty first century pioneers, taking time to reflect over, dissect and highlight the events, decisions and people involved in its development. With case studies and story-telling, this book is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate public health courses worldwide. It is also of high value to other health professional groups such as nurses and health visitors, social workers and community development activists, as well as politicians and policy makers.