Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament. At the center of this heroic life was a passionate twenty-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833. Metaxas discovers in this unsung hero a man of whom it can truly be said: he changed the world. Before Wilberforce, few thought slavery was wrong. After Wilberforce, most societies in the world came to see it as a great moral wrong. To mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade, HarperSanFrancisco and Bristol Bay Productions have joined together to commemorate the life of William Wilberforce with the feature-length film Amazing Grace and this companion biography, which provides a fuller account of the amazing life of this great man than can be captured on film. This account of Wilberforce's life will help many become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America.
The spirit of William Wilberforce, who worked to stop the transatlantic slave trade 200 years ago, is alive and active in all people whose faith complel their tireless efforts to transform their culture and build a better world. Creating the Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce is not an ordinary study book. It is a call to end ongoing human oppression and slavery. The life of this great Christian parliamentarian and abolitionist is the starting point for a first-class group of contributors to show Wilberforce as a model for engaging modern culture. Essays detail how people today can emulate his life, great persuasive techniques, and his Clapham Circle colleagues to bring about cultural change and end oppression. Each chapter's Extended Observation draws readers and study groups into transforming reflections and conversations--all designed to help people become a force for good and commit to a life on behalf of others.
Journey through the life and times of William Wilberforce, a leader whose influence on modern culture is unparalleled. You'll discover how he devoted his life to abolishing slavery in Britain amidst the turmoil of war and impacted the lives of millions across the globe.
Thomas Jefferson and William Wilberforce were born at a time of great, dangerous challenges where unprecedented revolutions in thought, governments, worldview, and culture swept in. Their lives, from their beginning tragedies down to their calling and early commitments to end slavery, make their stories even more amazing. Powerfully formed as leaders by exceptional mentors and lifelong supporters, they were sustained in their difficult journeys through several critical forks. While each experienced the early failure to abolish slavery, eventually one man backed away from his responsibility while the other became a globally recognized leader of mercy to the oppressed. Why the so-called tyrant monarchy, England, was led to dissolve slavery peacefully and why the first democracy formed in liberty wasted six hundred thousand lives for the same end remains a conundrum to this day. Even more puzzling is why, despite fierce opposition, Wilberforce persisted to lead this victory while Jefferson failed to do so. This even deeper question reveals much about the power of purpose, of beliefs, worldviews, and what constitutes true success. In the end, their competing stories produce valuable lessons apt for our equally perplexing times. Whether an aspiring, young leader, one who seeks to shape the next generation, or a student of history, the reader will find here answers to important questions we all share. For those interested in further resources for leadership development, worldview, history, finishing well and other themes from this book, visit the website at http://crossedlives.org
Dramatized in the major motion picture Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce is the remarkable account of how one man’s vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice brought freedom to thousands and changed the course of history. “That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.” —Dr. Os Guinness, author of Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil “An excellently researched and insightfully written biography … I applaud its sound scholarship and commend its perceptive insights into a great life.” —Brian Sibley, author of C. S. Lewis: Through the Shadowlands William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity is the definitive biography of the English statesman who overcame incredible odds to bring about the end of slavery and slave trade. Called "the wittiest man in England" by philosopher and novelist Madame de Stael, praised by Abraham Lincoln, and renowned for his oratorical genius, Wilberforce worked tirelessly to accomplish his goal. Whether you are an avid student of history, a pupil of prominent leaders of the past, or simply someone who reads for pleasure, you will love award-winning biographer Kevin Belmonte’s vivid account of the life of William Wilberforce.
A faith that changed history: this is the story of William Wilberforce's struggle to abolish the Slave Trade and reform the morals of Great Britain. In God's Politician, Garth Lean provides an insightful and stirring account of how Wilberforce and his colleagues in the Clapham circle put their faith into action and changed the course of history. Their legacy was one of far-reaching moral renewal as well as testimony to the power of the individual to effect change in his world. Foreword by Charles W. Colson
"Vivid and painstakingly researched biography." —Daily Telegraph "Wilberforce modeled a combination of Christian principle and tactical genius as relevant in the twenty-first century as in his own time." —William Hague "The biography is the product of much painstaking research. John Pollock has made use of virtually all the extant manuscript collections containing Wilberforce materials. He gives a detailed picture of his life and character which includes some important new information." —Observer William Wilberforce was at the heart of British politics for over forty years but is chiefly remembered as the reformer who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade in England. This intriguing and insightful biography of his life will inspire you to find ways to stand on your convictions and make a difference wherever you are.