A series of essays based around a lecture the author, Bishop of Chester, gave on the subject of advancing age, at a time when the church often seems to subscribe to the worldly preoccupation with youth and the young. The themes covered include retirement, living, memories, forgiveness, knowledge of ourselves and God, and happiness, with a set of helpful reflections at the end of each. Apart from the occasional nod towards such things as redundancy, decreasing physical wellbeing, and care of elderly parents or grandchildren, this book is very much aimed at comfortably off, retired ex-professionals in good health and with few or no responsibilities. For this readership it is an excellent resource, giving, as Joan Bakewell says in the foreword, “help and guidance with the profounder issues of life”. For those who do not enjoy “increased leisure and disposable income The Contented Life may be less useful.