Book Synopsis''Master biographer Jonathan Aitken is in fine form, sympathetic, insightful, scholarly and vivid, and his book, like its subject, must be rated unobtrusively spectacular.''J. I. Packer''...meticulously researched...[Aiken] writes beautifully and accessibly.''Christianity''This is a book to inform your mind, warm your heart and inspire your Christian walk. I cannot recommend it more highly.''Evangelical TimesFrom Newton''s rip-roaring adventures on the high seas to his emergence as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist and evangelical movements, this is a life of amazing achievement as well as of Amazing Grace.John Newton is best known as the author of the hymn Amazing Grace but this brilliant new biography shows how he led one of the most colourful and influential lives of the 18th century. Using a wealth of unpublished material, Jonathan Aitken charts Newton''s journey through slave-trading, best-selling authorship, ordination, Trade ReviewUsing diaries and correspondence, this biography crosses the boundaries of history and religion, and should appeal to a wide audience. * The Bookseller *A rip-roaring adventure, a passionate romance, and astonishing journey of faith all in one. -- Os GuinnessThis fascinating and gripping book makes the life of John Newton come alive for the contemporary reader. There's no hedging on Newton's depravity, nor his utterly passionate devotion to his precious Savior. I highly recommend this excellent work, it's one that will transform not only minds but hearts! -- Joni Eareckson TadaSkilled and colorful biographer that he is, my friend Jonathan Aitken has brought to life one of eighteenth-century England's most influential Christians. * Charles Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship *Master biographer Jonathan Aitken is in fine form, sympathetic, insightful, scholarly and vivid, and his book, like its subject, must be rated unobtrusively spectacular. -- J. I. PackerA fresh, insightful, and inspiring account of this great yet neglected figure. With that rare skill of a superb biographer, Aitken brings Newton to life for a new generation of admirers. -- Alister McGrath...meticulously researched...[Aiken] writes beautifully and accessibly. * Christianity *Here is a useful account of a great figure of the Evangelical Revival. * Times Literary Supplement *Well before the end, I was conscious that I was reading another classic ... Aitken writes with real passion for his subject ... This is a book to inform your mind, warm your heart and inspire your Christian walk. I cannot recommend it more highly. * Evangelical Times *A thorough study, superbly written, and an excellent read. * Keswick Convention Handbook *A brilliantly written biography ... Like all good biographers, Jonathan Aitken leaves us with the imprint of the subject firmly in our minds rather than the image of the author, but the engaging style of his narrative displays a personal commitment not only to the subject but also to his reason for living. * Paul Woolley, The Difference *Mr Aitken's biography... provides a rare spiritual treat and leads us to praise God for His mercy in the reality and wonder of salvation. * Gordan Murray - Protestant Truth *The book captures superbly how one life can be transformed by God for the benefit of others. -- Tricia Neill, President Alpha InternationalJonathan Aitken has written a book that, enriched by fresh research into unpublished papers, will enhance his reputation as one of today's foremost biographers. Secular and religious readers will alike profit enormously from this book. -- Rev Dr Michael GreenJonathan Aitken as always writes with elegance, clarity, and sympathy in describing an extraordinary eighteeneth-century life. * Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Paul's Theological Centre, Holy Trinity Brompton, London *Jonathan Aitken brings to life one of the unsung heroes of the Evangelical Revival. -- Richard Turnbull, Principal, Wycliffe Hall, OxfordAitken is well-qualified to serve an account of Newton for the modern reader. He is a renowned writer and biographer, a former businessman and politician, and, like Newton, a man whose heart has been changed through amazing grace. -- Ken Costa, Chairman of Alpha International, Vice-Chairman of USB Investment BankThis is an 'amazing' book which tells the story of an 'amazing' Christian life...This is a book to inspire and challenge us as to the true nature of Amazing Grace. -- Wendy Bray * Christianity *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements 1 A Spiritual Upbringing 2 First Steps in Love and Seafaring 3 Press-ganged 4 Flogged and Degraded 5 Exchanged 6 Enslaved in Africa 7 Rescued by the Greyhound 8 Troublemaker and Blasphemer 9 In the Shadow of Death 10 False Dawns, More Storms and a Safe Landing 11 Londonderry, Love and a Liverpool Shipowner 12 Adventures on the Brownlow 13 Struggles of Books, Body and Soul 14 Marriage to Polly 15 Captain of the Duke of Argyle 16 First Voyage of the African 17 The End of a Seafaring Career 18 Unemployment, Inspiration and Prayer 19 Methodism and Materialism 20 Life in Liverpool 21 The Call to Ordination 22 The First Rejection 23 In Suspense 24 An Authentic Narrative 25 Ordained at Last 26 First Impressions of Olney 27 Parish Ministry 28 Pressure to Move: Praying with Polly 29 Prayer and Church History 30 Friendship with Cowper 31 Creativity and Crisis 32 Amazing Grace 33 What Happened to Amazing Grace 34 Winning Friends and Influencing People 35 Meddling in Politics 36 Family Life and Health Worries 37 Leaving Olney 38 Arriving in London 39 Family, Friends and Apologia 40 The Eclectic Society and the Messiah 41 Mentor to William Wilberforce 42 Correspondence with Wilberforce 43 Abolitionist Campaigner 44 Death of Polly 45 Declining Years and Continuing Influence 46 A Great Sinner and a Great Saviour Epilogue Source Notes Bibliography Index
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