Biographies/Writings: Saints & Notable Christians

For the lives of those we give the title Saint, and other historically noteworthy Christian men and women, written by their contemporaries, their own writings and stories about them painstakingly put together by modern day writers.

Archive - Book Titles reviewed - I


I Can Plod

- William Carey and the Early Years of the First Baptist Missionary Society

by John Appleby


What an inspirational title! As John Appleby writes his biography of William Carey a truly remarkable figure emerges from the page. Born into a poor family with very lowly prospects he felt the call of God upon his life and determined to follow wherever God called him. He faced opposition from his church, family tragedy, lack of funds, being let down by his friends and bereavement but he never lost sight of his calling; to preach the gospel to those who had never heard it. He realised that the people he wanted to reach needed the Bible in their own language so he learned Bengali and got the Bible not only translated but also printed in that language. Throughout the book you get the picture of a great man, a great ambassador for Christ who remains humble and servant-hearted. It was typical of him that in a letter to his nephew concerning the writing of his biography, should anyone think it worthwhile so to do, he said of himself “if he gives me the credit of being a plodder, he will describe me justly." If you've ever felt discouraged by the obstacles that face you read this book and be inspired to keep on keeping on!

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Review by Sue Allen  (28/05/09)
Jacket
Hardback
Price: £14.95
Publisher: Grace Publications from Evangelical Press
Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-0-946-46274-2

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Ian Fraser

- I’ve Seen Worse

Shared with Ian Cranston


Plus £4.00 P+P
Purchase from Ian Cranston, 10 Aitchison Drive, Larbert, FK5 4PB Tel 01324 551759 or iancranston@talktalk.net cheques payable to Ian Cranston

When I agreed to review this book by Ian Cranston about his dear friend Ian Fraser, I had no idea what a fascinating read it was going to be!
A heavy book more suited to reading in a chair than in bed, printed on glossy paper that is a pleasure to handle and which enhances the reading experience.
Ian Cranston has pieced together the reminiscences of Ian Fraser, interspersed with anecdotes from others, and written records of the various places Ian Fraser has served.
What an amazing life Ian Fraser has lead. He is 91 at the time this book is written. By the time I reached the end I was grateful to find Appendix D, ‘A summary of the educational background, career and publications of Ian M. Fraser M.A., B.D., PhD. (Edinburgh University), Ordained minister of the Church of Scotland.’ There is so much detail here and yet the way Ian Cranston has put it all together keeps you reading every page. Ian Fraser’s love for his wife Margaret and the value of her help and support throughout his career is very evident. He spent time as a Pastor in a factory in Fife: was Parish minister in Rosyth: Warden of Scottish Churches House, Dunblane: Executive Secretary of WCC: Dean of Selly Oak Colleges – and that is only part of the story.
If you don’t know Ian Fraser, by the end of this book you will feel as if you do. A feeling of affection and deep respect.

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Review by Mary Bartholomew  (16/06/12)
Jacket
Paperback
Price: £10.00(plus P&P)
Publisher: Author
Published: January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-957-09890-9

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In My Father’s House



by Corrie ten Boom


Corrie ten Boom wrote this story of her early life, after her war time and later experiences, and that is usefully reflected in her telling. Having read the story of her war time experiences I was glad to understand more of the family background and the household in which she spent her formative years, and how she came to learn to be a watchmaker and work with her father, while at the same time doing so much for the girls of her home town and further afield. I knew she had been an amazing lady, the more I read of her, the more my amazement grows. Thank you Hodder for reprinting her three autobiographical books yet again.

Review by Mary Bartholomew  (20/02/06)
Jacket
Paperback
Price: £6.99
Publisher: Hodder
Published: March 2005
ISBN: 0-340-86375-7

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In Search of Julian of Norwich



by Sheila Upjohn


Over the years this book has introduced many readers to the life and times of Julian of Norwich and to extracts of her writings. Essential reading for those members of Julian groups, drawn from many different denominations, who have come to recognise the value of this English woman’s writings way back in the 1300s. Sheila Upjohn’s narrative, helps us to imagine her as she was in her lifetime, still influencing so many lives today. (First published 1989)

Review by Mary Bartholomew  (11/03/01)
Jacket
Paperback
Price: £6.95
Publisher: DLT (Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd)
Published: 2000
ISBN: 0-232-51840-8

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Inside Story: The Life of John Stott



by Roger Steer


This detailed study of John Stott’s life is also the story of the emergence of Evangelical thinking as a mainstream part of present day belief across the denominations. John Stott’s involvement in that emergence is bound up with his life’s work at All Souls, Langham Place, London and preaching, teaching and leading, around the globe.
As Roger Steer tells John Stott’s story from his birth to the present day, he introduces us to the many men and women who worked with or disagreed with this charismatic man. He has preached to many thousands of people in very many countries and situations, he has written best selling books that have brought people to Christ, while retaining his gift of remembering individuals and forging lasting relationships.
His upper-class background and education gave him easy access to important and moneyed people but he always has a heart for the poorest of his congregation and worked towards including them in the life of the church. I could go on and on, there is so much material in this book that it is not a quick read, but it is an inspiring and enjoyable one.

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Review by Mary Bartholomew  (17/03/10)
Jacket
Hardback
Price: £12.99
Publisher: IVP(Inter Varsity Press)
Published: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-844-74404-6

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Interior Castle - Teresa of Avila



The classic text with a Spiritual commentary by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R


Interior Castle written by St.Teresa of Avila in 1557, is one of the most celebrated books of mysticism ever written. In this edition Dennis Billy gives the entire text in the definitive translation by E.Allison Pears along with his own commentary chapter by chapter. Although St Teresa wrote clearly and simply for the education and edification of her Carmelite sisters, it is sometimes necessary to explain in layman’s terms the inner meaning of Teresa’s prayers and visions. This Dennis Billy does admirably, bringing to life this remarkable woman, her down-to-earth practicality, her humour, her no-nonsense confrontation with her superiors, her sheer indefatigability and energy. Dennis Billy makes Teresa’s masterpiece accessible to the reader coming to it for the first time.

Review by John Irvine  (27/03/08)
Jacket
Paperback
Price: £9.99
Publisher: Ave Maria Press from Alban Bks
Published: April 2007
ISBN: 978-0-870-61241-1

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