The Seven Words from the Cross are the focus of Christian meditation through the ages. Set to music by Hadyn, they epitomise the depth of Jesus's human experience and thus speak most profoundly to the human condition.

Each meditation is illustrated with a picture of Christ on the Cross. Many are old masters;some more modern. The object is to lead the reader deeply into prayer and contemplation.

But there is nothing fusty about Radcliffe's text. Whatever he writes is a breath of fresh air and these meditations are modern and contemporary in their reference. There are also many autobiographical touches which make these meditations more personal.

This is perfect Lent reading by a spiritual master and one of the few Christian prophets in our time.