The Monthly Salon: May

Afternoon all. Here we are again, in the section of the Abbey which is conducted by you, my loyal readers. I am still in the thick of my Book of Wild Saints as I write this. The deadline for delivery of the manuscript is the end of this month, and I feel it breathing down my neck. I am loving it, though. It is a real departure, and my first Christian book. It’s going to look beautiful, too: the cover, by Ewan Craig, is a work of art in itself. But you’re not allowed to see it yet, I’m afraid. Be patient. Speaking of works of art, the above image is of the Alfred Jewel, an astonishing piece of Anglo-Saxon metal-and-glass work, probably created in the 9th century for King Alfred of Wessex, a great reader, writer and translator, and pioneering Christian king. It’s one of the images I’m using in the slide show I’ll be giving this coming weekend, to accompany my talk on pilgrimage in England. There are a few tickets left for the British Saints Convention where I’ll be speaking, if you feel inspired to make a last minute trip. I’ll also be in conversation with Rowan Williams, and there are plenty of other good things on offer too. I’m told that just a few places remain for the November event in sunny Florida at which I’ll be appearing, too. More about that here. I’ll be back here next week with some exciting news on another subject, and some updates about what will be happening at the Abbey from the summer onwards. But for now, my friends, the floor is yours. The world is going mad, but the birds are still singing. Wherever we look, there’s plenty to say. Say anything you like. All my writing at the Abbey of Misrule is currently free to read. To help keep it free, and support those who can’t afford to pay, please consider a donation or a paid subscription. Thank you!