Robert Ferguson

Bohemian, egoist and prophet of sensualism, Henry Miller remains to many writers and readers a literary lion. Born in Brooklyn in 1891, son of a tailor of German extraction, Miller would embrace a freewheeling existence that carried him through umpteen jobs and sexual encounters, providing rich source material for the novels he would write. Greenwich Village and Paris in the 1920s offered rich pickings, as did Millers ten-year affair with Anais Nin. But he was 69 before Tropic of Cancer was legally published in the US and made him famous, almost 30 years from its composition and long after his peers had devoured it in contraband French editions. Robert Ferguson reveals Miller as a amalgam of vulnerability and insouciance, who endured thirty years of official opprobrium but won the respect of Orwell, T.S. Eliot and Lawrence Durrell, and readers by the thousand.This impressive biography [is] good, dirty fun.ObserverEngaging and perceptive.EconomistLively and entertaining. J.G. Ballard

Prior to the First World War T.E. Hulme was one of the most original and striking creative personalities in England, strongly admired by both Pound and Eliot. Yet he died in 1917, virtually unknown. A key figure in the genesis of Modernism, Hulme mixed among a great range of gifted artists and was never shy of courting controversy. Unusually among poets of his generation, he was convinced of the rightness of Britains role in the war (and criticised Bertrand Russell for his pacifism.) Robert Ferguson offers the first modern biography of Hulme, drawing upon access to Hulmes papers and later interviews with his associates.A humane, comprehensive biography... By the end, Fergusons final judgment of his subject - the conservative character at its best - seems justified. Jeremy Noel-Todd, Observer

Places and books like Rosslyn Chapel and The Da Vinci Code have focused attention on Scotlands Knights Templar. Who they were and what they did has been touched upon, but never properly explored until now. They were close advisors to Scotlands early kings; they were major property owners and respected landlords in a harsh and unforgiving time; and they were secretive and arrogant. But did they really flee from France to Scotland just prior to their arrest in 1307? Did they fight with Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314? And how did the Templars continue on after Bannockburn?In The Knights Templar and Scotland Robert Ferguson intertwines Templar and Scottish history, from the foundation of the order in the early twelfth century right up to the present day. Including a comparison of the arrest of the Templars in France with the Templar Inquisition at Holyrood, and an examination of the part they played at Bannockburn, this is an essential book for anyone with an interest in the history of the Knights Templar.

Do you remember groping after love, that elusive feeling that everyone else seemed to be enjoying, but you couldnt find for yourself? Do you remember the disappointment of rejected or failed love? Are you still surprised by the touch of love for someone elses disaster, emotional, natural or economic?Those memories will inevitably return with these poems. If you thought you had forgotten them, be prepared. They are about to return, in all their beauty and their bite.

In "The River-Names of Europe," Robert Ferguson embarks on a profound exploration of the etymology and cultural significance of European river names. This meticulously researched work intertwines linguistics, geography, and history, presenting river names as vital narratives of human civilization. Employing a lyrical, yet scholarly style, Ferguson invites readers to consider how these names reveal the interconnectedness of landscapes and societies, reflecting historical movements and cultural exchanges that have shaped Europe over centuries. The book is steeped in the rich tradition of toponymic studies, offering unique insights into how rivers have not only inspired names but also influenced the very fabric of European identity. Robert Ferguson, a renowned linguist and historian, has dedicated much of his scholarly career to the study of language and its interaction with culture. His passion for etymology and geography is deeply rooted in his academic background and personal travels through Europe, where he developed a keen interest in how place-names encapsulate the stories of their landscapes. Fergusons ability to weave complex linguistic concepts into an engaging narrative demonstrates his commitment to making scholarly work accessible to a broader audience. "The River-Names of Europe" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the interplay between language and geography, offering a fresh perspective on the significance of place-names in shaping cultural heritage. Scholars, students, and armchair adventurers alike will find Fergusons keen insights and eloquent prose illuminating, making this book an invaluable addition to the library of anyone passionate about European history and linguistics.

El rápido crecimiento de las tecnologías de comunicación y cambios políticos que se han producido entre finales del XX y comienzos del XXI han hecho que las funciones y propósitos de los medios se ajustaran al nuevo contexto y, se renovaran los estudios culturales y maneras de abordar el fenomeno. Las circunstancias y las definiciones han cambiado. Pero el estudio sobre los medios de comunicacion ha permanecido inalterable, mas alla de que muchos de sus paradigmas hayan sido modificados y que algunos de los medios hayan crecido a un ritmo vertiginoso y acelerado. Este libro es una defensa apasionada de la necesidad de seguir acercandose a los medios con una mirada critica, acento puesto en las condiciones politicas, economicas y sociales que permiten su desarrollo dinamico y veloz. En este completo trabajo sobre el impacto de los avances tecnologicos y la revolucion digital, vuelve a interrogarse sobre el papel de los medios de comunicacion en los sociedad.

In "Surnames as a Science," Robert Ferguson presents a meticulous exploration of the significance and evolution of surnames. Through a blend of historical analysis and linguistic inquiry, Ferguson examines the origins, meanings, and societal implications of family names, situating them within a broader context of social identity and heritage. His scholarly work employs a clear and engaging narrative style, drawing upon diverse sources, from etymological research to sociocultural studies, making complex concepts accessible while illuminating the intricate connections between names and the identities they represent. Robert Ferguson, an esteemed scholar with extensive expertise in onomastics and socio-linguistics, brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal passion for the subject matter to this work. His academic background, coupled with a keen interest in the cultural ramifications of nomenclature, drives his conviction that understanding surnames can unlock broader narratives about ancestry, migration, and community. FergusonAos previous writings on genealogy underscore his dedication to bridging the gap between individual identities and collective histories. This book is a vital resource for historians, genealogists, and anyone intrigued by the nuances of family heritage. Fergusons astute insights and methodical approach not only enhance our understanding of surname significance but also invite readers to reflect on their own familial connections and the stories inherent in their names.

In "The River-Names of Europe," Robert Ferguson embarks on a compelling exploration of the etymological and cultural significance of European river names, blending rigorous historical analysis with a lyrical prose style. The book delves into the interplay between geography, language, and history, meticulously tracing the origins of river names from the ancient world to the present day. Fergusons keen attention to detail and vibrant storytelling illuminate how these names not only reflect local identities but also reveal the broader narratives of migration, trade, and cultural exchange that have shaped European civilization. Robert Ferguson, a distinguished scholar with a profound interest in the intersection of language and geography, draws upon his extensive research in philology and European history to craft this enlightening work. His passion for uncovering the stories embedded in place names is rooted in his own travels across the continent, where he has witnessed firsthand the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that rivers have influenced over millennia, invigorating his research with a personal touch. For readers interested in linguistics, history, or geography, "The River-Names of Europe" offers not only an intellectual journey but also a poetic tribute to the enduring legacy of water in shaping human experience. Fergusons insightful analysis invites us to reconsider the significance of rivers beyond their physical presence, making this book an essential read for anyone captivated by the intricate connections between language and place.

The skeleton is a contemporary lifetime, from boyhood to old age. Organs are represented by particular events, personal, national and global non-experience of an earthquake, loss and change in libraries, the first ascent of Everest, holidays in Cornwall and Yorkshire, Brexit and the invasion of the Ukraine - and the onward creep of infirmity at head and feet. Months, seasons and their various characteristic weather and activities contribute the flesh and muscles; and a variety of formats rhymes in quatrains, haiku, tanka and multiple tanka, sestina and rondeau redouble, and even totally free verse demonstrate moods and movements among which to play with the sounds and ambiguities of words.

Take a closer look at your neighbours on the bus, in the shops, and on the street. Where did they come from? What did they do in their working lives? What can they still do, despite their age or current disability? What makes life easy or difficult for them? Listen to them. Let them tell you about their loves, fears, ambitions, and needs. Share your own stories with them. These people are part of an increasingly varied contemporary Britain. Value them, as these poems do, upon reading Robert Fergusons "Everyone On My Street."

Examine your world with all your senses, immersing yourself fully in its richness. See the kittiwakes and bees go busily about their lives, each playing their part in the intricate dance of life. Smell the sweet fragrance of ripening apples hanging heavily on trees. Feel the softness of a pets fur beneath your fingertips, or the warmth and strength of a lovers hand in yours. Hear the faint, mournful sound of water trickling from a glacier slowly succumbing to the planets warming embrace. Consider what human beings are changing irrevocably, shaping the worlds fate with every choice and action. Ask yourself: What beauty, what experience, what life might we fail to notice? What might we lose forever if we do not stop, look, listen, and cherish the wonders around us before it is too late?