Customer Reviews

C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography, Volume 1: The Early Years, 1834-1859 (Library Edition)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own a similar version of this book in print, but wanted it on my Kindle. It was obvious from the sample that this version had problems, but I wanted it anyway and it is MUCH better than the free version available elsewhere on line. -- You will come across "words" that are not words at all (like the Sword and the Trozel rather than Trowel and glor)" rather than glory) but generally you can tell what they are supposed to be. Sometimes though, you can't tell and that can be a little disconcerting. For my part, I am enjoying the book despite its flaws and continue to be glad I bought it.

This one is full of personal things that the others copy from. Here are Mr. Spurgeon's own accounts of the many trials and blessings that God gave this precious pastor. The access to his diary that Mrs. Spurgeon had and her own warm and loving memories of this greatly loved man, add a depth that the Biographies cannot match. For those of us who gain so much from the writings of C.H. Spurgeon, this is a treat.

I was disappointed in this purchase, because the of the frequent scanning/transcription errors that could have been easily caught and corrected. e.g. AUTOBIOCrLXPHY instead of AUTOBIOGRAPHY, as well as many that are indecipherable. A simple look through the text to correct the more obvious errors should have been done. A table of contents that is linked to the chapters would have been very helpful, as well.

The content is great. I just wish I had known it had no linked index, and so many textual errors. I would have shopped around for a better version.

A key thing to consider about this "High Quality Paperback" edition is that it isn't Spurgeon's full autobiography. The full version is published by Banner of Truth and spans two volumes:

-C. H. Spurgeon Autobiography: The Early Years, 1834-1859 (562 pages, ISBN 978-0851510767)
-C. H. Spurgeon Autobiography, Volume 2: The Full Harvest 1860-1892 (524 pages, ISBN 978-0851511825)

Combined that's close to 1100 pages of print! This version clocks in at a mere 382. So aside from the aforementioned flaws by other reviewers (typos, smudges, etc due to the nature of the book: a cheap, mass print, no frills, scan edition), the main grievance is you aren't getting Spurgeon's full story. For Spurgeon enthusiasts, this is a deal breaker. For a casual reader, perhaps not. BUT I would be willing to guess that if you're even considering Spurgeon, you know there is something richly fascinating about the man history has dubbed "The Prince of Preachers." Perhaps only secure this cheap edition to whet your appetite for the full 2 volume version, but then again..maybe save the money and just apply it toward getting the two volumes.

I got this bok tolearn more and its so awesome to get a glimpse back into time reading both of their letters to eachother and Susannahs thoughts on it all. The time frame begins when he is about 18 years old. i wish i knew this because I would have gotten a different book that covers his younger years also. Now i have to buy a 2nd book. Love the book but wasnt a fan of the product description. Thats why im giving it a 4/5 stars.