Terry Waite – författare

At the height of the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s over 100 foreign civilians were taken hostage by Islamic Jihad. As the Archbishop of Canterbury's special envoy, Terry Waite conducted several successful missions to negotiate the release of numerous hostages. But in January 1987, while on one of his many visits to Beirut, he was captured himself.Imprisoned for nearly five years, four of them in solitary confinement, he was chained, beaten, frequently blindfolded, and subjected to a mock execution. In this moving sequence of poems and reflections Terry Waite recalls the highs and lows of his life, both during that ordeal and throughout the happier years of humanitarian work that have followed.They give us a glimpse into the depths of faith, hope and love that sustained him through that intense time of suffering. They also take us into memories of his later life, reminding us of the joy and contentment to be found in meaningful work, and in the humanity we share each day with those around us.Out of the Silence not only offers a rare insight into one man's experience in the throes of a bitter conflict of the past; it also bears witness to the enduring power of forgiveness, truth and reconciliation in the face of adverse forces at work in the world today.

If anyone understands Solitude, it's Terry Waite.After five years spent in solitary confinement during his faught kidnapping in the 80s, Terry Waite has had decades to think about what being solitary means, and how it affects us.He explores why some people avoid being alone at every cost, whilst others can think of nothing more peaceful than being well and truly by themselves, and how those feelings can change with time.This book is all about his encounters with people who live a solitary life in many different ways and guises. Some who live out in the most remote of locations, shunning all manner of modern society; some who find themselves solitude in the anonymous flow of crowds in busy cities; and some whose remarkable circumstance, whether professionally or for their own safety, are forced to live a solitary life. There is more than one way to be alone, and these different voices all show how that works.Solitude is more than being alone, it is a retreat into the self shapes the soul.Through his pilgrimage through solitude, Terry Waite discovers how solitude (not loneliness), far from being something we should fear, but is instead something that can a force for good in we learn to embrace and live it out thoughtfully and bravely.Praise for Solitude:"This is a thoughtful and sensitive book from a man who endured the fear and loneliness of captivity. Now, years later, Terry Waite explores solitude in its many forms."Stella Rimington DBE, former Director General of MI5"This is a wonderfully perceptive and engaging book. Terry Waite takes the reader deep into other worlds, both geographical and psychological, from which they will emerge enlightened and spiritually enriched."Ranulph Fiennes OBE, explorer, writer and poet

Some people long to find it, others long to escape it. But, whether we welcome or dread it, solitude is something we all experience in different forms at different points in our lives After enduring nearly five years of solitary confinement, in cruel and terrifying conditions, Terry Waite discovered that he was drawn to find out more about the power of solitude in the lives of other people. The result is this haunting book, in which he recalls his encounters with people who have experienced some very different ways of being solitary: among them the peaceful solitude of remote and beautiful places; the unsought and often unnoticed solitude of lonely people living in the midst of busy cities; the deceptive solitude of those living in the twilight world of espionage; the enforced solitude of the convict and the prisoner of war; and, finally, the inescapable solitude of those who are drawing near to death. Through all these encounters, and through the memories and reflections they trigger in the author's mind, we see how solitude shapes the human soul - and how it can be a force for good in our own lives, if we can only learn to use it well.

'This is Terry as he really is - wise and funny. A good book from a big man. If only he could be the Primate.'John Sergeant'A travelogue that is refreshingly irreverent and deeply human.'James NaughtieFrom darkest Africa to the darker and infinitely wetter birthplace of John Knox, from the remote expanse of the Alaska Highway to part of the Antipodes that even Bill Bryson could not reach, Terry Waite takes us on a guided world tour in the company of Dr Robert Runcie.Even an archbishop has little control over wars and missed connections, floods and food poisoning. But this Primate sailed majestically through the most troubled of waters, as his companions (including Chaplain Richard Chartres) baled energetically in his wake.Hilarious and affectionate, Travels with a Primate offers an unashamedly nostalgic return to the 1980s. It is a delightful tribute to enduring friendship.

Meet Tommy Twitchnose, who lives with his wife and two children in a cosy little house under the floorboards in a converted barnhouse. Tommy and his family have a happy life, foraging for scraps of food and doing up their home with bits and pieces dropped by the humans who live above them.But then, one day, their peaceful life is rudely interrupted. A large family of town mice suddenly appears on their doorstep, led by a daring and determined mouse called Danny, who announces that they're moving in... The adventures that follow will charm, amuse and amaze all who read them - children and grown-ups alike!Contents1. The surprise visitors Tommy Twitchnose and his family receive an unwelcome surprise when some unexpected visitors arrrive, led by the daring Danny Dockmouse (Tommy’s long-forgotten cousin), who has led his large family all the way from London to seek a better life in the country.2. A happy Harvest Festival Tommy and his family join the church mice, who live nearby, to celebrate the Harvest Festival. The joyful service is conducted by a mouse by the name of the Reverend Albert Pew, who leads them in singing some funny animal versions of well-known harvest songs, and tells them about his new plan to make sure the church mice (who are very poor) will have enough food to last them another year.3. Fun and games at a party All the mice are invited to the annual garden party held in the grounds of the stately home of Lord Whiskers of Whiskerton. They travel there on the Moles' Underground Express and when they arrive are amazed by a series of daring circus acts performed by a group of acrobatic frogs, two squirrels and the brave contestants in the annual Grand International Vole Swimming Race. 4. A visit to the Houses of Parliament Lord Whiskers is an honourable member of the House of Mice, which has its premises under the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. He invites his new friends Tommy and Danny to join him on one of his visits, but trouble follows when Danny decides to explore the House upstairs and ends up trapped in a Big Red Box used by the Prime Minister. 5. The Small Animal Rescue Service The Reverend Albert Pew asks Tommy to take charge of a new venture called the Small Animal Rescue Service, which is designed to transport sick animals quickly to the Small Animal Hospital. It is the day of the parish picnic at the seaside, and Tommy flies there on the back of a friendly seagull; but before they get there they notice an animal in distress on the rocks below, and swoop down to the rescue. 6. The very naughty squirrel Tommy's wife, Tiggy, helps to run the new village shop, but is alarmed when she discovers that someone is helping themselves to things without paying. PC Charles Catchem takes charge of the operation to find out who's behind crime, and with the help of Barney the Barn Owl he devises a clever trap to catch the thief red-handed.

Terry Waite's personal account of his harrowing experiences as a hostage in Beirut. This book gives a fascinating insight into human life on the edge - the things people are willing to do to each other, and what it feels like to be treated in that way. Terry's endurance in the face of unimaginable suffering and long days spent in solitary confinement makes for a compelling tale.This new edition includes an updated foreword and new final chapter conveying just a few of the many and varied experiences that came Terry's way post-release, and conveying his passionate engagement in Middle East issues since his release 25 years ago, an issue of just as much relevance today as ever.