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Travel with William WilberforceThe man who turned historyTRAVEL WITH WILLIAM WILBERFORCE The historian G.M. Trevelyan described the abolition of the British slave trade as ‘one of the turning points in the history of the world’. Next year sees the 200th anniversary of this momentous event in which William Wilberforce was the prime mover. This shiny paperback by Kevin Belmonte, an accomplished American historian, is a timely reminder of the life and faith of the great man. First and foremost, it tells Wilberforce’s story. There was the godly and winsome influence of despised evangelical relatives on the young boy. This was followed by the reckless life of youth. But then, having studied Doddridge’s Rise and Progress with a friend while on a continental holiday, came the great change of thorough conversion. Under the influence of John Newton, Wilberforce was led to use all his charm and talent to be a social reformer and Parliamentarian for Christ. But along with the history, the books in this series provide maps, travel information and advice on places to visit associated with their subjects. The book is full of photographs and boxes of extra information and is a delight to read. Walden Media (makers of Narnia) have a film in production starring Ioan Gruffudd on Wilberforce due out next year for which Kevin Belmonte is an adviser. This little book will give Christians not only a stirring read but may also give ideas of how to use the anniversary of the abolition of slavery to best advantage for the gospel. John Benton© Evangelicals Now - May 2006 |