These foolish Things

These Foolish Things draws from the author’s years as a teacher and lecturer, capturing the laughter, chaos, and unexpected lessons that come with standing at the front of a classroom while learning alongside students.
From the quirks of British academic life to bittersweet reflections on life’s trials and triumphs, this novel celebrates the people and experiences that leave a lasting mark. Whether it is an absurd classroom escapade, an unorthodox teaching moment, or the wisdom shared in the quietest of conversations, each story offers a glimpse into the foolishly wonderful things that make life so rich and enjoyable.
Perfect for anyone who has ever taught, learned, laughed, or marveled at the beauty of human connection, These Foolish Things promises to leave readers moved, smiling, and reflecting on their own “foolish things” with fondness.
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About the author

My life has largely been spent in teaching and researching economics in various institutions, including Southampton University, the Open University and The University of Portsmouth, all in the public sector, and at St Swithun’s School, Winchester in the private sector. I have also taught short courses in other countries including a summer school in the USA, but also in many countries in Europe. These have included, inter alia, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland and Germany. All these activities have proved immensely enjoyable and rewarding.
I have written a series of textbooks but also many articles. Most of these have been on aspects of business behaviour. Only relatively recently have I ventured into fiction and written my first novel which you can read about elsewhere on this site. (My more unkind colleagues claim that some of the academic publications should be filed under ‘fiction’ as well). I think the novel was only made possible by what I have learned and experienced from supportive colleagues and from teaching in so many different places.
I have also written three complete online courses in Economics for the Open University of Bavaria, and also produced many academic films and cartoons to help students to understand the world in which we live. Information about all these activities can be found on this website.
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Books

Ebook

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PaperBack

EBook

$5.99

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Paperback

$16.99

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Hard Cover

$19.99

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Testimonials

E Sodmann, Bochum Hochschule
E Sodmann, Bochum Hochschule
Ken has a unique way of inspiring and educating my students even in the most complex matters of economics.
Steve K
Steve K
The best light entertainment in Portsmouth.
Lecturer in Business and Hospitality
Lecturer in Business and Hospitality
All I know about teaching I learned from Ken.
Prof. Dr. Vesselin Blagoev
Prof. Dr. Vesselin Blagoev
He teaches in an understandable way, with humour, and with great respect for the students.
Anon
Anon
An hour of Ken’s lectures always passes very quickly.
German Professor in Business
German Professor in Business
His wonderful sense of humour has made him many friends over here
Bulgarian Lecturer
Bulgarian Lecturer
Ken Heather is one of the most attractive and effective lecturers in Economics - a field, which is really difficult for the students.
Selina B,
Selina B,
Aschaffenburg Hochschule.
Ken Heather is an entirely unique teacher, and a uniquely valuable person. He knows, like no other, how to convey information in a way that is intellectually stimulating and at the same time, hugely entertaining. I have been involved with many lecturers and colleagues from all over the world, but no one has been able to turn the potentially dry subject of economics into a philosophical and educational pleasure for listeners and readers in the way that he does.

selection of Academic Books

Economists often use mathematics in understanding economic issues. This book, written with a Bulgarian friend and colleague, explains many economic ideas using a wide range of mathematical techniques.
“An exceptional opportunity for those who experience difficulties with mathematical language.” – C. Drapier, Lille University, France.
This one was especially written for business studies students, helping them to understand basic economic principles and how these principles can be used to elucidate a whole series of real-world issues.
“Economics is really difficult for the students. This excellent book is the one they find best.” – University of Management Director.
Written for second and third-level students, this one focuses especially on business issues. There is even a Russian version of this one! For all I know, there may be a copy in the Kremlin that is consulted daily to help direct the Russian economy, although I do not have any evidence that this is so.
Another jointly authored book. This one involves my co-operating with two Americans and a German colleague who lectures out of a Swiss University.

Online Courses By Ken Heather

I have written and produced three complete online courses, one in each of these three subjects, especially designed for people who have not studied them before and for people who are not very confident in tackling these kinds of topics. I produced them, under the auspices of Bavarian Professors, for an online German university called the VHB, whose funding made it possible. They are all entirely in English – many Germans are keen to develop their learning skills in using the English language.
Each course contains a mix of presentations, films, cartoons and interactive quizzes. They are designed to make learning fun! If you can read a novel you can do these courses!
In my novel ‘These Foolish Things’ Keith Stokes is described, on a few occasions, teaching a group of students. Generally he is teaching economics but sometimes it’s maths or statistics. Perhaps, if you are unfamiliar with these topics, you would like to know a little more about the contents of University teaching here? Maybe you would like to have a go at learning some maths? Or some statistics? Or some economics?
They are all free to anyone who is interested. Here are the three courses.
Creating Common Ground

Building Confidence in Mathematics

Building Confidence in Statistics

If you want to give any of them a try you can register for free
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Music

The songs featured in “These Foolish Things” are integral to the story, adding emotional depth and context. Here, you’ll find videos of these iconic tracks, enhancing your experience of the novel.

Chris de Burgh

He is known throughout the world. This is, perhaps, his best known piece, the love song ‘Lady in Red’.

The Corries

A famous Scottish group, that began as a trio. When the founder of the group. Bill Smith, left, the other two continued until the sad death of Roy Williamson. Here is one of their best-loved folk songs.

Flanders and Swan

A British comedy from the 1950’s and 1960’s.Here they mock the folly of some English people for their imagined superiority over other nations.

These Foolish things

Nat King Cole’s version of “These Foolish Things” was recorded in 1950 and became one of his most iconic songs. The lyrics, written by Eric Maschwitz, express longing and nostalgia over a lost love, with references to various trivial things that hold deep emotional significance.

Cliff Richard and the Shadows.

Once known as Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley. Here, with his backing group, singing ‘Travellin’ light.’

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