Customer Reviews

To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson

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This was the best biography that I have ever read. The testimony of salvation of both Adonirom and Nancy are given in great detail. The book also gives some great details of Adonirom's methodology for starting a mission. After reading about the tremendous trials he went through, you will find it difficult to ever complain again about your lot in life. In addition to the great spiritual benefits the book affords, it is a very enjoyable book to read. The author does a great job of keeping the interest level - it is a hard book to put down.

My my my. What a book! The story of the first missionary from North America, Adoniram Judson did not disappoint this reader! Although it did start a bit slow at first, it ended up being quite inspriational for me. This story is a good illustration how God shows His sovereignty, especially to those who are willing to take a leap of faith and put their whole lives in His hands. If you were ever thinking about being a missionary or if you already are, this book is a must read. If you are questioning God's providence in people's lives, this is a must read for you, too. But be fair warned; be prepared to be emotionaly envolved in this book.

This book is mandatory reading for those who are interested in the life of Judson or the history of Christian missions. Anderson writes the story of Adoniram Judson in a clear and compelling style. The spirit and sacrafice of Judson stand outs clearly in this moving work. The life of Judson has propelled many Christians to a more devoted Christian commitment. Anderson demonstrates her scholarly research in a format that is very accessible. The one weakness seems to be her misunderstanding of Adoniram Judson's father's theological viewpoint. However, this is very minor and does not significantly impact the power or value of this work.

We'd call them a bunch of kids today. The youngest was 18, the oldest in his early 20s. Full of faith, they left their moms, dads, homes, security and everything they knew. Their destination was certain danger and misery, possible torture and death. Most never returned.

Little visible progress, illness, obstacles, death of friends, co-workers and their own children, illness, antagonists, indifference, illness, financial concerns, war, illness, discomfort, loneliness, depression, persecution and cultural and language barriers plagued them. The first few years seemed to yield no progress. The missionaries were discouraged. They contemplated giving up. Some actually did leave. Then things got worse.

But the Judsons and others were so convinced of their faith and so confident that their obedience to God's will would produce fruit that they never gave up. And eventually their work yielded fruit. First, one convert. Then a couple other converts and a lot of people who were seriously interested started showing up at their door. On some occasions people literally begged to hear about Jesus and for copies of the gospel tract that Adoniram Judson had printed in the Burmese language. The rest is history.

It's an inspirational book, and one can appreciate the work of God throughout the book from Judson's infancy to the Karen people who eagerly accepted the gospel.

In addition to Adoniram, the respective characters of his wives were discussed in depth. One can't help but admire with amazement the determination, courage, godliness and fervency of all of these women.

This book is impeccably researched. Names, dates, events and details are abundant throughout the book's 500+ pages. The author has done extensive research. The author has also left a comprehensive bibliography and laments that some of Judson's letters home were destroyed (at his request) after the death of his first wife.

Courtney Anderson has done a terrific job of recounting the life of Adoniram Judson. Anderson's biography takes you from Judson's birth in New England to his final days in Burma, making frequent use of personal accounts written by Judson and his three wives.

Leaving friends and family, believing you will never see them face to face again? Six years of labor before seeing a single convert? Dreaming for a church of ten native Burmese Christians? Facing the prospect of execution for making disciples? It is quite a humbling experience to read about the hardships of missionary life in the early to mid-1800s: long voyages at sea; sickness and disease; the death of infants and young children; long periods of separation from a spouse; imprisonment and war. Yet the Judsons were willing to suffer through all this and more for the sake of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who had not yet heard. The life of Adoniram Judson makes very clear what it means to take up one's cross and follow Jesus, but it also shows that God's grace is sufficient for whatever may come.

I heartily recommend this book as a reminder of past missionary enterprises and an inspiration to future ones.

In my lifetime I have read quite a number of biographies, including a number of religious biographies. This one I rank near the top in my biographical reading experience. The interest is compelling by virtue of Adoniram Judson's historic place in American foreign missionary endeavor and by the drama of his life. (Readers can gain some details by reading reviews of some of the other reviewers of the book.)
I also give credit to Courtney Anderson, the author, for his contributions in making this a great biography. Anderson wrote out of respect to Judson and his work, researched the material well, and presented the story with the skill of a good writer.
I first read the book in 1962 and again in 1988. My old paperback copy was becoming tacky, so I have since purchased
a good secondhand hardback copy with the thought that I might someday read the work a third time; at least I would honor the biography by having a solid copy in my library.

To the Golden Shore is one of the most profound books I've ever read. The depth of dedication shown by Adoniram Judson and his family over the years of his ministry leaves me without words. It will break your heart and inspire you to make better use of your time on earth.

Every Christian should read this book.

And everyone who has read it needs to share it with someone who hasn't.

One of the very best books I've ever read. Recommended for anyone interested in mission work, American history, biography, or in viewing the life of people who were selfless.

I have read quite a few other books about Adoniram Judson, but this is the best one so far. It has such depth of detail and so many quotations from his actual letters and writings. The Judsons' life and work in Burma is amazing, and the physical cost to their health was very great. It also tells a great deal about Mr. Judson's three marriages and the great help that his wives were to his mission.

This is an excellent, well-written book on the life of Adoniram Judson. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in missions or missionary biographies. Even though it is a fairly lengthy biography, I found it very fascinating and informative the whole way through.