When Dr James Simpson talked about uncommon sense, he had in mind something akin to gumption and emotional intelligence, qualities he much admired. With his trademark mix of thoughtful musings on things that really matter and humorous anecdotes, this was classic Simpson.

The royalties from this book have gone to Cystic Fibrosis charities. Dr Simpson raised over £70,000 for charity from book sales and after-dinner speaking.

For 21 years Dr James A. Simpson was minister of Dornoch Cathedral in the Scottish Highlands. During his time there he not only served as captain of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, but wrote many books, some of which, like Holy Wit and Life, Love and Laughter, topped Scottish bestseller charts. Dr Simpson was a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers, at home and abroad. He was also much in demand as an after-dinner speaker.

Dr Simpson long believed that in any lecture, discussion or debate a little comic relief did no harm, no matter how serious the topic may be.

In 1992 he was appointed chaplain to the Queen in Scotland. Two years later he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Dr Simpson died in 2024.

'Bears the Simpson trademark of blending seriousness and humour, sense and nonsense.'
-- Daily Record

'A book of wisdom and sense, both common and uncommon. Dr Simpson, who has passed his fourscore years, is a man with a pastoral heart, one who has been a friend to many ... it is well worth reading, and at £5.95 it will solve quite a few Christmas gift problems'
-- Ron Ferguson,  Press and Journal

'For anyone looking for a cheering read, or for a feelgood festive gift that will also benefit charity, look no further'
-- Lynne McNeil Life and Work

'A delightful little book of thoughtful musings, jokes and anecdotes that are often just as challenging as they are humorous ... This Christmas Uncommon Sense would make the perfect little stocking-filler, bringing joyful mirth to recipients.'
-- Presbyterian Herald

'In Uncommon Sense, Dr Simpson draws on his vast store of literary, cultural and humorous stories to help distinguish what matters most in life from what does not matter that much - the essential from the incidental.
   'It is a blend of seriousness and humour and is crammed with anecdotes about well known individuals such as Robert Burns, Martin Luther King, Emerson, Shakespeare, Lee Trevino and Arctic explorer Ejnar Mikkelson.'
-- Press and Journal

'Dr Simpson is a man not only learned and humane, but one blessed with an irrepressible sense of humour. Absorb his humour and laugh.'
-- Rosamunde Pilcher

'I am a great fan of Dr Simpson's writings.'
-- Lord Carey