Alumni Services

January 2018

2018's first collection of alumni-authored literature.

1.

Author

Sir Iain Fraser (and Anne Fraser Sim)

Degree Science and Engineering
Book

A Sketchbook of Edinburgh

In this evocative book Iain and Anne Fraser take the reader, both visitor and resident, on a personal journey through the centre of one of the world's most unforgettable cities. Working with four talented local artists (Irina, Cat, Keli and Catherine) they reflect the character and cultural history of Edinburgh through 80 pages and 150 beautiful and original illustrations.

Their narrative describes the split personality of Scotland's capital city, from the subdued sophistication of a 'dreich' February day to the flouncy and frivolous fun of the summer festival season. The dramatic character of Edinburgh and its history are world renowned. The authors highlight their favourite parts of the city centre and include a series of quirky stories discovered during their research gleaned from some of the many books written about the city.

With a foreword by Edinburgh alumnus Alexander McCall Smith.

A Sketchbook of Edinburgh

2.

Author Bill Hare
Degree History of Art
Book

Facing the Nation: The Portraiture of Alexander Moffat

Illustrated with 167 full colour images, this landmark book charts Alexander Moffat’s career from student days at Edinburgh College of Art in the 1960s to the recent Scotland’s Voices. Iconic portraits of major figures in literature and the other arts are represented. The cultural significance of the visual chronicle Moffat has created lies in his approach to portraiture. He aims not only to capture a sitter’s appearance but also to convey something of their inner character, reaching ‘a balance between emotional expression and compositional order’.

Facing the Nation: The Portraiture of Alexander Moffat

3.

Author Lyn Miller
Degree Medicine
Book

Taking Medicine

Alison has always dreamt of being a doctor but when she comes to Edinburgh to study, things don’t work out exactly as she’d planned. She expects the degree course to be tough, and it throws up hurdles to challenge her. But her biggest obstacles are totally unpredicted.

‘Taking Medicine’ is a coming-of age story about Alison Scott, a medical student at Edinburgh University. The book follows Alison through her studies and her social journey of meeting and, sadly, losing friends. The emotional traumas she endures are exposed but the story shows how she copes and moves forward, eventually stepping foot on the ward as her first day as a Junior House Officer.

Having been a student at Edinburgh Medical School herself, Lynn enriches the book with her expertise. Now, as a GP, Lyn has mentored and trained young doctors who wish to enter her profession. Lyn also is a choral singer belonging to two choirs and plays for two curling clubs.

Taking Medicine

4.

Author P. J. Miller
Degree Veterinary Medicine
Book

Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies, and Hugs: Veterinary Tales

P. J. Miller’s story is unique. Growing up in New York City, who would have thought that he’d complete his veterinary degree at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland? In 'Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies, & Hugs', Dr. Miller has assembled a “greatest hits” of veterinary tales—stories that include colorful clients, wisecracking hospital staff, and pets that aren’t always friendly. Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies & Hugs provides a humorous look at what Dr Miller went through to become a veterinarian and his daily life as a doctor, told as only a typical New Yorker could. Underneath the humor, Dr. Miller gives a glimpse of how strong and emotional the human-animal bond can be, becoming an instant must-read for any aspiring veterinary professional or animal lover that wants to know what it is really like to be a veterinarian.
 

Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies, & Hugs

5.

Author David Randall (editor)
Degree Arts, Divinity
Book

Why We (Still) Believe

The West has become permeated with a culture that doesn’t ‘do’ God. Many people assert that we have progressed, while Christians are still clinging to out-dated ideas. In 'Why We (Still) Believe', fourteen contributors focus on several specific contemporary attacks on Christianity, showing why they ‘continue in the faith’ (Col.1:23).

 

Why We (Still) Believe

6.

Author Susie Allison
Degree Mathematical Physics, Physics
Book

Scottish Trail Running – 2nd Edition

Trail running for everyone, close to town and far afield.

70 routes for the off-road runner: these tried and tested paths and tracks cover the whole of Scotland, including the islands.

This guide takes runners on a journey of discovery that starts in suburbia and crosses every kind of runnable terrain to reach remote glens and far-flung islands. Short, simple circuits close to town will suit beginners while ultra marathons through Scotland’s wildest mountains will test even the most experienced runner. The runs are graded to help progressive development of the skills and confidence needed to tackle more challenging routes.

 

Scottish Trail Running – 2nd Edition

Your book

If you are a member of the alumni community and have recently published a book, we would be delighted to include it in the Alumni Bookshelf. Email the details, along with your degree details, to Brian Campbell:

Email Brian Campbell

Please note

Books are added to the bookshelf in order of submission. All of the further information links listed are the external websites of the book publisher, the author, or the bookseller. The University of Edinburgh is not responsible for the content and functionality of these sites.