Description
Book SynopsisThe full-length biography of the Methodist minister and author Leslie Dixon Weatherhead, exploring all aspects of his life and portraying in depth the historical, religious and theological context in which he wrote and preached.
Trade Review"... Offers both committed Christians and religious enquirers inspiration and encouragement. It is a very readable yet scholarly work. John Travell is uniquely equipped to provide fascinating insights into this great nonconformist's life and work. He not only arouses our admiration for this great Christian pastor and preacher but helps us to recognise his humanity. Dr Travel's assessment is balanced and perceptive. His personal involvement doe not cloud his judgement, though it adds warmth and colour to his biography. This book deserves a prominent position on your selves." -Margaret Hulmes "Not the first biography of Leslie Weatherhead, but it will certainly be seen as one of the most important. The one, perhaps, that Weatherhead would have wanted to be written. John Travell has done extensive research, obtaining information and insights from a variety of other reliable sources. It contains perceptive pictures of the humanity of the man. John Travell's book traces the development of Weatherhead's thoughts and insights. It presents it in a highly readable form. Doctor of Souls seems set to become a standard." -Fellowship and The Congregationalist "Excellent brings out well the character of the man and his achievements. This definitive biography well produced and illustrated. I warmly commend this book, not just to those of my generation who knew of, the man, but to all who are interested in where we have come from and what we may learn from our past." -Methodist Recorder "A fascinating biography of a man who possessed great gifts. The many excerpts from Weatherhead's sermons and letters give striking examples of the force of his preaching and clarity of mind and how he dealt with the issues of the day. The biography is a pleasure to read. The text flows with clarity." -Rev. John Dunn, in English Churchman "Interesting and well researched." -William Key, in Joy "A thoroughly researched biography." -The War Cry "This remarkable story is well told by Travell. The author's indebtedness to his subject is clear on every page. It adds warmth and colour to the telling of this remarkable tale." -Church Times "An excellent and exhaustive study, expounding almost everything Weatherhead said or wrote. We must be grateful for this thoroughgoing study." -Gordon Wakefield, in The Christian Parapsychologist "A distinguished piece of work. This is the scholarly, definitive, comprehensive biography that Leslie deserved. Written from within the church and from first-hand knowledge and experience of all the areas and disciplines in which Leslie excelled. Superb literary style has not only encompassed and documented the period of Leslie's life and ministry but has portrayed the subject's personality and shown us what made him 'tick'." -Rev. Dr. A. Leonard Griffth "This is essential reading for anyone interested in Weatherhead or in preaching." -Reform "... this informed, very detailed, and scholarly biography. ... I commend the reading of Doctor of Souls to any minister desiring to refresh and renew his pastoral attitudes, and seeking new inspiration for effective ministry. It is great reading for any Christian wanting to read the details of a life spent in ministry during the most crucial years of the 20th century." -John H. Alexander, in The Congregationalist (USA) "... meticulously researched and comprehensive. An easily grasped overview of the ecclesiastical terrain in the early decades of this century." -Presbyterian Herald "Leslie Weatherhead was one of the greatest Methodist ministers and Free Churchmen of the twentieth century, indeed of all time. Travell's new life and times represents a long overdue renaissance in Weatherhead studies. A particularly useful and very prominent feature is a summary of each of Weatherhead's principal books as they were published and of the judgements on them of the reviewers." -Clive D. Field, in The Proceedings of the Wesley Historical Society "John Travell's book will be treasured by many and he has our congratulations and gratitude for such a labour of love." -Maurice Kidd, in Way of Life "In a lucid and easy style the author sets Weatherhead's pioneering and often controversial work in its context. This excellent book will not only challenge preachers, but will encourage all who struggle to re-interpret the Christian faith for people today." -Malcolm Hickox, in Magnet
Table of ContentsForeword Preface and Acknowledgements Background and Early Influences India and War Return to India 1919 Manchester 1922-1925 Leeds The Mastery of Sex Weatherhead's Christology: The Oxford Groups Speaking, Writing, Broadcasting From Leeds to London The City Temple The Approach of War The Impact of War St. Sepulchre's On Being a Minister The Final Years of War The Immediate Post-War Years Plans for Rebuilding: Debate, Delays and Frustration Travel Abroad Psychology, Religion and Healing Rebuilding: Thanks to Rockefeller President of the Methodist Conference The City Temple Re-Opens Into Retirement Bexhill The Christian Agnostic The Last Years Envoi Conclusion Bibliography
