Gordon Strachan, author of Jesus the Master Builder (Floris Books) explores the magnificent structure of Chartres Cathedral, and examines the influences on the medieval master builders. Using Chartres as a starting point, Dr Strachan suggests that the origins of the Gothic style may lie in Islamic architecture. He goes on to consider how the experience of a particular architectural space affects us, and how sacred geometry works. Beautifully illustrated, this is an inspiring and informative book for anyone interested in religious architecture and spirituality.

The activities of Jesus before the start of his ministry at the age of thirty have been the subject of much speculation. Did he travel beyond the bounds of Palestine in his search for wisdom knowledge? Where did he acquire the great learning which amazed those who heard him preaching and enabled him to cross swords in debate with Scribes and Pharisees? A number of legends suggest that Jesus travelled to the British Isles with Joseph of Arimathea, who worked in the tin trade. With these legends as his starting point, Gordon Strachan uncovers a fascinating network of connections between the Celtic world and Mediterranean culture and philosophy. Taking the biblical image of Wisdom as the 'master craftsman', Strachan explores the deep layers of Mystery knowledge shared between the Judaic-Hellenic world and the northern Druids -- from the secret geometry of masons and builders, which Jesus would have encountered in his work as a craftsman in Palestine, to the Gematria or number coding of the Old and New Testaments. This book is the basis of the film documentary 'And Did Those Feet' which screened at the BFI in London in 2010.

Micronutrient deficiencies are of global importance to disease morbidity and mortality. Of particular importance are vitamin A, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world, and iron deficiency, the most prevalent micronutritional deficiency globally. In the Caribbean, iron deficiency, is known to exist. Overt vitamin A deficiency is rare, however subclinical deficiencies are suspected to exist. This study investigating the extent and magnitude of these deficiencies in vulnerable populations of four Caribbean countries found that overt vitamin A deficiency is very rare, however marginal/subclinical deficiencies exist in Jamaica, and Antigua. Iron deficiency of public health significance is prevalent in all vulnerable groups of the countries studied.