The fourth edition of this well established text brings the subject up-to-date with environmental legislation and provides a thorough understanding of the surface technologies of all materials used for finishes. It also aims to minimise the use of finishes which have shorter lives and hence need renewing more frequently. As the variety of materials used for finishes is so large, they have been grouped into their engineering categories of ceramics, polymers, metals and composites to aid understanding of their structure, behaviour and ability to resist degradation. Finishes is an essential textbook for Materials units on building, architecture, surveying and related degree and postgraduate courses, and for students of BTEC HNC/D building and surveying.

This study deals with the properties of building materials, their manufacture in the factory and on site. It considers the selection of materials to satisfy the performance requirements of economy, deterioration and maintenance. References to sources of more detailed information, including some 200 British Standards are made throughout.

The fourth edition of this well established text brings the subject up-to-date with environmental legislation and provides a thorough understanding of the surface technologies of all materials used for finishes. It also aims to minimise the use of finishes which have shorter lives and hence need renewing more frequently. As the variety of materials used for finishes is so large, they have been grouped into their engineering categories of ceramics, polymers, metals and composites to aid understanding of their structure, behaviour and ability to resist degradation. Finishes is an essential textbook for Materials units on building, architecture, surveying and related degree and postgraduate courses, and for students of BTEC HNC/D building and surveying.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. Continuing its tradition of excellence, regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship lectionary for Morning Prayer. Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is the guest contributor for Holy Week. New voices this year include Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph and author of the popular An Advent Book of Days and An Easter Book of Days; Chine MacDonald, author, broadcaster and Director of the religious think tank Theos; and Emma Parker, Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2023-24 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day’s set of Scripture readings, concise and challenging commentary, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Rrayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

In the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, the local parish church became a focal point of the relief effort, and a gathering place for a traumatised community. In the months that followed, it worked closely with other community and faith groups to provide a compassionate network of support. In this bold and prophetic challenge, Alan Everett shows that the church's response was possible only because it had opened its doors long ago, building relationships with the most marginalised in the community. Its effectiveness was born out of a patient, faithful, unheroic ministry that is all too easily underestimated. Through gripping reportage and searching theological reflection, After the Fire demonstrates how parish ministry can be a living symbol of God's love, and a vital sign of hope.