New interpretations of an art form ubiquitious in the Middle Ages. English alabasters played a seminal role in the artistic development of late medieval and early modern Europe. Carvings made of this lustrous white stone were sold throughout England and abroad, and as a result many survived the iconoclasm that destroyed so much else from this period. They are a unique and valuable witness to the material culture of the Middle Ages. This volume incorporates a variety of new approaches to these artefacts, employing methodologies drawn from a number of different disciplines. Its chapters explore a range of key points connected to alabasters: their origins, their general history and their social, cultural, intellectual and devotional contexts. ZULEIKA MURAT is a Research Fellow and Lecturer in the History of Medieval Art at the University of Padua. Contributors: Jennifer Alexander, Jon Bayliss, Claire Blakey, Stephanie De Roemer, Rachel King, AndrewKirkman, Aleksandra Lipinska, Zuleika Murat, Luca Palozzi, Sophie Phillips, Nigel Ramsay, Christina Welch, Philip Weller, Kim Woods, Michaela Zoeschg

Elijahs Big Imagination - A ball of an adventure is a picture book created in the spirit of "a child's imagination. The book celebrates a little boy's interaction with his toys. The encounter begins as Elijah opens his toy box and is surprised by a talking soccer, tennis, and football. The talking balls begin to complain of being squashed and made uncomfortable after Elijah loses his balance and accidentally falls in the toy box with the toys. As Elijah embraces the the concept and excitement of talking balls, he and his football head off for an adventure. Little do they know; the real excitement is yet to be had. The book represents the collaboration of a mother and her son. To bring this picturebook to life she encourages her son to use his imagination as he acts out the adventures that shape this story. Growing up with seven sisters and brothers, the author attempts to encourage her young son in the joy of creativity. The book encourages all parents and those involved with teaching and coaching youth to help build a vibrant imagination. We hope that Elijah's Big Imagination will be enjoyed by all.