FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
Please screen down for Reformation Walking Tour FAQs.
l. Why was Dictum founded?
Dictum was initially set up as a means of publishing the Oxford and Cambridge Reformation Walking Tour. As trade publishers considered the title 'too niche', indie was the way forward. The walking tour is, however, now published in partnership with Day One.
Dictum has since expanded to furnish the UK church and mission agencies with a few core titles at deep discount for bulk purchase. It is the successor to Didasko Publishing. Dictum title will be available through the trade from March 2020..
2. How many books do churches need to buy?
We sell our core titles in multiple copies - but that need be only 5 or 10. Our genuine hope is to make these books affordable so churches or mission agencies can get them out widely. Use the contact form to ask for a review copy at no cost, or to let us know your needs, with no obligation.
3. Will there be further Dictum titles?
Yes, there will be new Dictum titles. See those planned for 2020. Note that these include an updated and expanded edition of John Stott's Right Hand, following the death of Frances Whitehead.
4. Does Dictum have a statement of faith?
It borrows others. Any book written or edited by Julia is consonant with the UCCF doctrinal basis and the Cape Town Confession of Faith.
5. Does Dictum produce resources for midweek home groups?
Yes. See our Church Resources.
Money and the Gospel works well for small group study. Discussion questions are included. It could be used as a series before a special appeal; or as part of the ongoing life of the church.
The Cross: A fresh look at the meaning of the death of Christ has been used by churches for a Lent study over 4-6 weeks. Again, discussion questions are included. It brings a fresh approach, based on the gospel narratives, and it is also appropriate for those exploring the faith.
Review copies are available - ask for one using the Contact form.
6. Does Dictum accept unsolicited manuscripts?
No. We regret that we aren't able to do that.
7. How can we get hold of books published by the Lausanne Movement, which Dictum doesn't carry?
You can order them through internet retailers or any bookshop. Dictum focuses mainly on short books, sold in multiple copies. If you would like to purchase multiple copies of any other Lausanne titles, and need a discount price, please use the contact form stating the number required.
8. We would like a special edition of a book with our logo. Is that possible?
Yes. Dictum has flexibility. If you would like, say, 100 or 200 or more copies of a book, with a page about your church or mission, and your logo on the back cover, we can produce this for you. (For example, if you have an anniversary or a special event.) Use the contact form to let us know your needs.
9. Why has Dictum published a rather quirky travel guide to Oxford?
Well done for noticing that OXFORD By a Very Oxford Cat doesn't really fit our list. But as it's 'in a genre all its own', it wasn't easy to place it with a publisher. So for the moment, it's with us! It's a lot of fun. Take a look.
FAQs RELATING TO THE OXBRIDGE REFORMATION WALKING TOUR
1. Is the Reformation Walking Tour available in North America?
Yes. It is sold through Blackwell's and shipped from the UK, so it can take a few days to arrive. Shipping costs are minimal from Blackwell's. (And free to UK addresses.)
2. How long do the Reformation walks take?
Each walk can be done within two hours. But if you have longer, you can follow sideways trails in the 'Glancing Around' sections,
3. How much does it cost to see the Reformation sights?
In Oxford the walk involves entrance only into churches, and there is no charge for this. However St Michael-at-the-Northgate charges a small fee if you want to climb the tower. (Here you would see the door of the Bocardo jail where the Reformers were imprisoned.)
Should you wish to visit the Cathedral, which is within Christ Church, you could queue as a tourist (entrance fee £10, with a very fine audio commentary) or you could participate in one of the Cathedral services, entering through the main Tom Gate on St Aldates. There is then no charge for entrance.
Several colleges are open to the public for a small fee. However Hertford College, home to William Tyndale, isn't open to the public.
The Divinity School may be seen in a tour of the Bodleian Library. These tours run throughout the day, and cost around £6.
In Cambridge you may like to enter some colleges. Please bear in mind that these are residential and working communities, so it is not always possible to look around them. As with Oxford colleges, a small fee is sometimes charged.
All sites in both towns can easily be viewed from outside.
4. Are there other guides to historic Christian sites which you would recommend?
There are excellent books on the wider Christian history of Oxford and Cambridge by Andrew Atherstone (Travel through Oxford) and David Berkley (Travel through Cambridge), both published by Day One, and available globally. Andrew Atherstone's Travel with the Martyrs of Mary Tudor (also Day One) gives a picture of all those who died under Bloody Mary's reign.
NB Cambridge Christian Heritage (see map on the inside back cover) offers a fine exhibition and daily walking tours, which include aspects of the Reformation.
5. Is there a mobile-friendly version of this Reformation Walking Tour?
Yes, for Oxford. This has been created by the Taylor Institution as part of the university's Oxford Stories project. Our thanks to Prof Henrike Lähnemann and Emma Huber for their idea. It covers pp 12-29 of the book. The QR code is found on p4.