l. Why was Dictum founded? 

Dictum was initially set up as a means of publishing the Oxford and Cambridge Reformation Walking Tour. Julia Cameron had taken a group of Oxford postgrads on the walk in Trinity Term, 2017. In short, their interest and questions led to the print version of the tour. As trade publishers considered the title 'too niche', indie was the way forward. 

Now Dictum has 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, and some titles were first published for the Lausanne Movement.

2. How many do I need to buy?

We are set up to sell multiple copies - but that need be only 5 or 10. We will supply books at 35-40% discount for smaller orders and at 50% on larger orders. Our genuine hope is to make them affordable so that churches 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: those too niche for the trade; or titles which are more focused on non-trade markets like conferences, churches or special events.  See those planned for 2019.

The 'Didasko Files' name will no longer be used, but its titles will be available in different formats, published by Dictum. Please use the contact form if you have questions. 

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. Does that include the forthcoming book 'Disability in Mission'?

Yes. Dictum is committed to making this title available at a deep discount. (See 2, above.)  Pre-orders by UK mission agencies are being taken now. Please use the contact form.

9. We would like a special edition of a book. 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.

FAQs RELATING TO THE OXBRIDGE REFORMATION WALKING TOUR

1. Is the Reformation Walking Tour available in North America? 

Yes. It is sold on Amazon.com. Blackwells will fulfil the Amazon orders from the UK, so it takes a few days for the book to arrive. If you have any problems in getting a copy, please use the contact form.

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 £8) 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.