F. & M. Howard TaylorThe Biography of James Hudson Taylor (Essential Classics)

My brother asked for this book for Christmas and was very happy with it.

Someone lent me this book some time ago and I enjoyed it so much I decided to buy my own used copy as I believe it is now out of print. It is a really interesting biography of John Hudson Taylor, written almost in the style of a novel so is not just dry facts but a journey with a very inspiring man. I can really recommend it.

This copy was first published in 2 volumes about 100 years ago, then re-issued in one volume in 1965 and has now been re-issued for 2012. This biography is "of its time". It was obviously received well on first publication as it demanded a 2nd and a 3rd re-print, indeed this says something of the regard in which Hudson Taylor was held. However, it suffers from that peculiar difficulty of older biographies that not all the facts are made known, for the 'greater good' and the 'sake of unity'. Very often I found allusions to subjects which were not fully explored e.g. personality conflicts, dismissal of staff, the tensions between the home and field offices as well as the issue of leadership. Far too often these were not discussed with transparency, indeed some of the difficulties are not even mentioned. A modern biographer would be less likely to shy away from declaring the facts. That's not to say that everything in this book is untrue or unacceptable, heaven forbid. There is great truth to be gleaned and often in the 'throw-away' remarks that would have been taken for granted 100 years ago. One thing that keeps coming out over and over again is the sense of prevailing upon God in prayer. Prayer and fasting were as natural to Taylor as breathing, a discipline we would do well to remember in the 21st century.But overall, its a below average biography. Roger Steer and John Pollock do a much better job.

This book was for my wife who is just started to read. She is very pleased with it.

good value

great man, great story, great blessing

This is one of the most extraordinary stories I have ever read, and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. One of my friends told me it had changed her life, and now I can see why. A humbling and inspiring must-read for any Christian, or anyone who likes amazing life stories and history.

This book is so richly devotional, if you are open to the Holy Spirit, you will find it life-changing. If you just want history, read one of the other biographies of Hudson Taylor. If you want the history AND something that will touch your life, stick to this one.