Magnificent Obsession [Paperback]

Lloyd C. Douglas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 1999

When Robert Merrick's life is saved at the expense of the life of an eccentric but adored surgeon, the carefree playboy is forced to reevaluate his own path. Merrick embarks on a course of anonymous philanthropy, inspired by reading the doctor's private papers. An engaging and dramatic story of personal redemption and private sacrifice, this spiritual tale has served as an inspiration for both the stage and screen.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lloyd Cassel Douglas (1877-1951) began his writing career in midlife, after working for many years as a minister. He gained international fame with his novels Magnificent Obsession 91929) and The Robe (1942).

From AudioFile

Lloyd C. Douglas novels, many of which are also classic movies, are weft in the fabric of American culture. In Magnificent Obsession, playboy Bobby Merrick becomes a physician after causing the death of renowned brain surgeon Wayne Hudson. Hudson's death redefines Merrick's personal life even more than his professional life. Fine points in the novel, particularly medical details, are dated. Obsolescence presents a double bind for reader Durbin. Soothing and therapeutic, Durbin's interpretation conveys the story's compassion. His voice, however, lacks the passion needed to pace the story for audio. Consider Magnificent Obsession a mixed blessing. D.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; 1 edition (April 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395957745
• ISBN-13: 978-0395957745
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Appropriate Title!, November 22, 2000

By 

Mark Borchers (The Woodlands, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magnificent Obsession (Paperback)

This book about obsession actually became an obsession for scores of readers. Lloyd Douglas later wrote about the deluge of mail he received from readers who literally wanted to live out the principles of the novel in their own lives. The book itself, set in the midwest in the prewar years, is the absorbing story of the transformation of a young man. A spoiled, wealthy college youth is inspired, after a brush with death, to follow in the footsteps of a renowned surgeon who was killed in a simultaneous, related accident. This endeavor leads him, reluctantly, to an unexpected life of full-immersion philanthropy. Ultimately the burdens he consents to bear are instrumental in leading him to his highest goals. No review can do justice to Douglas effortless skill in bringing spirituality face to face with practical everyday affairs. Deservedly a classic.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book of Spiritual Enlightenment, September 12, 2001

By 

Natalie (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnificent Obsession (Paperback)

Having read and loved THE ROBE, another of Lloyd C. Douglas' books, I began reading THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION with high expectations. The book greatly exceeded my expectations. It presents many important messages about Christianity without sacrificing entertainment.

THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION is a story of the conversion and faith journey of a troubled young man. In order to be at peace with himself about the negative effects his poor decisions and actions have on a beloved surgeon, Robert Merrick begins a series of philanthropic deeds. He follows in the path of Jesus Christ, the perfect model of philanthropy, and in the paths of others before him, including the surgeon whose death may have been prevented if it were not for the reckless actions of Merrick. He becomes consumed with the task of helping others--sacrificing his time, effort, and money in order to do so. Merrick asks that stories of his good deeds are not spread in order that he may be rewarded in a more meaningful way than glory. Christ teaches people to be humble and not seek glory on earth but in heaven. The messages of Christ appear frequently throughout the book.

As a result of Merrick's philanthropic deeds and newly developed spiritual life, he gains a more "powerful personality," the goal of all his efforts. His life is turned around and he greatly affects the lives of many others. His actions are emulated by those around him. One many can truly help to change the world.

This book shows that humanity on the whole is good if humanity is able to overcome worldly temptations. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION helped me on my faith journey and I believe that it would have the same effect on other readers. I recommend this book to all Christians as it provides the messages of Christ in a clear and modern way.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A moral lesson in an immoral world, October 14, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Magnificent Obsession (Hardcover)

Magnificent Obsession encourages one to be a better person for purely selfish reasons. The key is to do for others anonymously for the good it will derive you. This book picks up the story where Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal leaves off. A young man, Bobby, is on a course of mediocrity and indifference. He becomes inspired by Dr. Hudson, a respected surgeon who has an idiosyncratic view of life, through a freak accident. When he lives and Dr. Hudson dies, Bobby becomes obsessed with redeeming himself in the eyes of the community and more importantly redeeming himself in his own eyes. To do so, he must find out Dr. Hudson's secret and implement it. This is an excellent book with a morality lesson that is necessary for today' society. Unfortunately, since it was written many years ago, it's references and dialogue is somewhat stilted and dated. Fortunately, the message of dealing with others in a compassionate way while allowing them to keep their dignity will never be stilted or dated.