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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 - L
Leaving Alexandria- A Memoir of Faith and Doubtby Richard Holloway Richard Holloway was Bishop for Edinburgh until he stood down in 2000. This is his autobiography. He first left his home town of Alexandria at the age of 14 when he went to Kelham Hall, an Anglican seminary, training him for monastic life. Instead of taking this route to the priesthood he became a parish priest and later bishop. There have been a few ‘Leaving Alexandria’ moments on his journey, the last of which is still to come. What shines through most in his book is Richard Holloway’s warmth, sensitivity and honesty. Throughout his life he has grappled with trying to be real in the face of people’s expectations of him, and his expectations of himself, when so often in the church there is a sense that we ought to have and promote certainty about what we believe. This account gives the reader, as well as the writer, the permission to acknowledge the truth in the heart of all of us,that we don’t know everything and when it comes to faith in God we don’t know with categorical certainty very much at all. This is anything but a book about hopelessness. On the contrary, mixed with sadness and disappointments is a great sense of freedom that comes with facing the world and yourself with honesty. Despite obvious frustrations and at times anger with the church and its attitude towards women and gay marriage in particular, there is still warmth towards the positive aspects of church communities. Would Richard Holloway do things differently if he was beginning again – I expect he would, but this doesn’t feel like a story of bitterness or regret. I feel humbled, challenged and inspired by having been allowed a glimpse into Richard Holloway’s journey. Review by Kathy Bland (30/04/12) |
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| Hardback Price: £17.99 Publisher: Canongate Books from Gardners Books Published: Spring 2012 ISBN: 978-0-857-86073-6 View this book on its own page >> |
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Lesslie Newbiggin – Missionary Theologian- A ReaderIntroduced and complied by Paul Weston This selection of Newbiggin’s writing makes a major contribution in accessible form to the growing body of literature about mission. He is firm and distinctive in his line, ‘Christ as the clue to history’ yet also carefully refutes the popular notion that the Church exists to make more, and more, converts. Newbiggin always digs below the surface understanding with a sharp analysis made more penetrating by its grounding in his personal history. He has explored mission in the crucible of South India and in diverse cultures throughout the world. The result is magisterial and inspiring – if sometimes a little daunting. I paused frequently to digest his arguments and the breadth of his wisdom and would commend this approach to you. The book offers a rich diet, to be reflectively consumed over a period of some time. Review by Ian Terry (13/12/06) |
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| Paperback Price: £14.99 Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge) Published: 17 February 2006 ISBN: 0-281-05793-1 View this book on its own page >> |
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Light in the Dark Ages- The Friendship of Francis and Clare of Assisiby Jon M. Sweeney The sixteen chapters of this joint biography raise '....questions that explore the spirituality of Francis and Clare, the origins of their movement, and how belief and practices from eight hundred years ago relate to what we do today. The importance of Clare and Francis, then and now, is that they’ made clear by their lives that being a follower of Christ can sometimes get lost amid the details of being a cultural Christian.' Apparently, they were not organizers. They also were not good administrators...Their leadership was high on charism and low on follow-through.’ The author examines their personal relationship fairly and frankly; it was a chaste one, rich in love and respect. A 'Cast of Characters' provides mini-biographies of those mentioned in the book. There is a 'Chronological Outline of the Early Franciscan Movement' and an equally useful 'Calendar of Important Remembrances' for prayer and worship. There is no formal bibliography; sources and further reading are mentioned in the 'Notes'. There is an adequate 'Index' which includes references to Scriptural books. Portions of Blessed Frederick Ozanam's 'The Franciscan Poets of the Thirteenth Century' are printed alongside the text. It is a pity that the ten illustrations are in black and white - the expense of colour would have improved the book, especially when used on a retreat or for meditation. This is a very good introduction to Saints Francis and Clare, and to the history of the early Franciscans and Poor Clares. Review by J.Nicholas Latham (19/12/07) |
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| Paperback Price: £9.99 Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge) Published: 20 September 2007 ISBN: 978-0-281-05976-8 View this book on its own page >> |
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Lion Treasury of Saints- From the Time of Jesus to the Present Dayby David Self Originally reviewed on publication in 2003, I am delighted to say that responding to popular demand Lion have re-printed and re-issued this book exactly as it was before, and I have felt no need to change my review. Aimed at children aged 7 – 14 years, I was loathe to put this into the Children’s or Young People’s category where it might be missed. This is a quality production as we would expect from Lion, and I am sure will appeal to a wider age range than the target group. Each saint has a double page spread, and the author has in mind the usefulness of this book to those teaching at Key Stage 2. Here is an introduction to the lives of over a hundred saints and remarkable Christian lives, beautifully illustrated and a joy to read. Review by Mary Bartholomew (08/03/10) |
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| Hardback Price: £14.99 Publisher: Lion Hudson Published: March 2010 ISBN: 978-0-745-94471-5 View this book on its own page >> |
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Living at the Edge- The Autobiography of David Pytchesby David Pytches This is David Pytches’ autobiography, starting from his birth and idyllic rural childhood through to his official ‘retirement’ in which he is as busy as ever. At times a little slow, do persevere, as there are many exciting gems, such as his encounter and subsequent friendship with John Wimber and Vineyard Ministries, and his developing realisation and understanding of the power and work of the Holy Spirit and how that often conflicted with the Anglican Church. David Pytches is always honest and open both in his Christian and political beliefs, which makes for thoughtful albeit uncomfortable reading. Review by Lesley Marshall (07/06/05) |
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| Paperback Price: £8.99 Publisher: Eagle Published: Summer 2004 ISBN: 0-863-47549-3 View this book on its own page >> |
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Living With Wisdom- A Life of Thomas Merton: Revised editionby Jim Forrest Living with Wisdom is a comprehensive introduction to the life of Thomas Merton, one of the most influential and widely read of modern spiritual figures. The author Jim Forest was a close friend and is therefore able to give an intimate portrait of Merton. Merton’s most famous book, “The Seven Storey Mountain”, the story of how he became a Trappist monk, has been read by millions and translated into dozens of languages. Forest details Merton’s life from babyhood through to his tragic death in 1968, including his time at the abbey of Gethsemane, his travels to India and meeting with the Dalai Lama, his brief love affair with his nurse, and his lifelong interest in other religions. He was not without his critics who objected to his identification with pacifist groups and his interest in other religious traditions, particularly Buddhism. His reaching out to non-Christians took up a great part of his life and writings. Of particular value is the very extensive collection of photographs which accompany the text. If you read only one book about Thomas Merton, this is it. Review by Mary Bartholomew (15/07/09) |
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| Paperback Price: £9.99 Publisher: Orbis Books from Alban Books Published: 2008 ISBN: 978-1-570-75754-9 View this book on its own page >> |
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Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Graceby Iain Murray |
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ISBN: 978-0-851-51975-3 Price: £16.00 |
Published: 2008 |
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Luther and Calvin: Religious Revolutionariesby Charlotte Methuen |
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ISBN: 978-0-745-95340-3 Price: £9.99 |
Published: 18 November 2011 |
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The Life and Times of Charles Henry Mackintoshby Edwin Cross |
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ISBN: 978-1-853-07246-8 Price: £16.00 |
Published: Spring 2011 |
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The Life of John Milne of Perthby Horatius Bonar |
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ISBN: 978-0-851-51961-6 Price: £14.00 |
Published: 10 October 2010 |
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The Lindisfarne Icon- St Cuthbert and the 21st Century Christianby Helen Julian CSF |
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ISBN: 1-841-01322-6 Price: £6.99 |
Published: 20 August 2004 |
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The Love of Christ- Puritan Paperbacksby Richard Sibbes |
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ISBN: 978-1-848-71144-0 Price: £6.50 |
Published: October 2011 |
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All books reviewed in this section, indexed by title:-
A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z 1