Mail from the Crypt, by Mark Steven, a former staff member of the Volunteer Centre, is a collection of writings that were originally sent as introductory text in emails to Edinburgh's volunteer involving organisations. Much loved by its audience, the writings have achieved something approaching cult status. Order Mail from the Crypt now!

The book features a foreword by Alexander McCall Smith, bestselling author of The No1 Ladies Detective Agency Series.

Proceeds from the sale of the book go to Waverley Care, an HIV / AIDS charity.

"If one is going to make observations on this life, one might as well make them on a broad range of subjects. And this is exactly what Mark Steven has done in his highly entertaining collection of short pieces. This is not a diary, nor is it a collection of essays – yet features of the diary (the personal) and of the collection of essays (thoughts which amble around a subject) are both present here. What bulletin would not be improved by an editor who entertained his readers in this splendid way?"

"Reading these pieces, one gets the impression that one of the gifts which the author clearly has is an ability to detach himself, when necessary, from the cares of life and savour his surroundings. This is an increasingly rare gift in a hectic world. And indeed his musings might help one to do just that, just as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius can help one to slow things down."

"And then there is the brevity. The invention of word processing has led to the proliferation of lengthy texts of all sorts. What a pleasure it is to be treated to the pithy, the concise, the little gem of a thought or an observation! Bravo, Mr Steven! Bravo!"

Alexander McCall Smith

Get a copy

Copies cost £5 (£6 inc postage and packing). Print and return this order form, or drop in to Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, 45 Queensferry Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 4PF.