The Sword Bearer (Archives of Anthropos) [Paperback]

John White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 1986 | Series: Archives of Anthropos (Book 1)

It was John's birthday. He would be thirteen. And what's more, it was on this day that his grandmother would tell him the mystery of his locket . . . And of his parents. But it was not to be. Before he could find out, he was magically transported to the land of Anthropos where he was startled to be hailed as the Sword Bearer, the slayer of the Goblin Prince. Here, in the imaginative story of the early history of Anthropos, John White captures the excitement and wonder of another world.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (May 19, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877845905
• ISBN-13: 978-0877845904
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John White was born in Liverpool, England, on March 5, 1924, and grew up in Manchester. After serving as a reconnaissance photographer in the Fleet Air Arms during World War II, he completed medical training at Manchester University. He later participated in a variety of short-term missions efforts (including Bible smuggling!) and captitalized on many opportunities to encourage Christians behind the Iron Curtain during the beginning of the Cold War.

On June 25, 1955, White married Laureate May O'Hara. From 1955 to 1964 he served as a medical missionary with New Tribes Mission. Later he was appointed associate general secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students of Latin America.

White emigrated to Canada with his family in 1965 and later completed his residency in psychiatry in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He next filled the post of associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and also served locally as pastor of Church of the Way.

He wrote 25 books as well as numerous articles and study guides. A much sought-after speaker, he lectured around the world at churches, conferences and leadership events. During his later life, White moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, helping to plant a Vineyard church there (Surrey Vineyard) and becoming involved in the larger Vineyard Christian Fellowship.

John White died in 2002, but his written ministry lives on, with over 1.5 million of his books in print.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently written Christian fantasy, November 12, 2001

By 

yarden "yarden" (portland, or) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sword Bearer (Archives of Anthropos) (Paperback)

I read this when I was in grade school the first time around, and thought it was decent. It wasn't until I decided to read it again recently that I realized what a truly well-written book this is! Honestly, this book is a lot closer to the quality of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" than I realized. I would also compare this writing to many of Stephen Lawhead's works.

White's writing is solid, well-paced, and skillful, and his characters are decently well-developed. He works the message of the gospel (as well as some solid Christian-living principles) in the story with a delicate touch, although at no point is the book preachy, dogmatic, or cheesy.

I was very happy with the quality of writing to be found in this book (NOT a common occurrence in christian fiction), and plan to read the rest of the series.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Any more beautiful series that are upliting like Anthropos and Narnia??????? Help me with this please., July 12, 2007

By 

Mari Khanaauwsar "nuhatigirl" (Reno) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sword Bearer (Archives of Anthropos) (Paperback)

I really love this book because not only is it a great suspenseful fantasy novel but it means so much to me when there are authors out there who also want to write stories that depict the Divine reaching out and comforting. This author depicts the Divine as the Changer and Ga'al throughout his series. Even through White is of a Christian background like C.S. Lewis and his intention is to create a Christlike allegory, I feel that people of all faiths can truly be touched by stories like Anthropos and Narnia. While the characters struggle, in both these series, they receive comfort and friendship from the Divine Beloved God in an Aspect that is reachable and very human. These two series have such a charm to them that makes you even fall in love with the Divine. If ever you are feeling down, the series of Anthropos and Narnia are wonderful reading. In the Sword Bearer, I like the part when John is crying and then the Changer tells him that he wants to keep his tears forever because his tears are important to Him. Even in times John doubts himself through his struggles in the battle and not knowing how to get along with others, the Changer is reaching out and laughing with him showing him that unconditional love.

Please help me. If anyone knows of anymore series out there that are like the Narnia and Anthropos series in which the Divine manifests in His Aspect of friendship and comfort as He does so beautifully in these series. I always enjoy series that are uplifting in this way and it's hard waiting until 2008 for the next Narnia movies to come out. Can anyone tell me some series that touches the heart and brings comfort and those warm fuzzy feelings of walking on air each time you finish the series?

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It kept my interest the whole way through!, June 7, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Sword Bearer (Archives of Anthropos) (Paperback)

I love to read fairy-tales, and I have read a lot of them. This one ranks as one of my favorites- I could hardly put it down. I really don't see how anyone could dislike it or regret reading it to their children, as one reviewer said. John White has a very engaging style of writing, and he makes the characters come alive throughout the story, especially Mab the Prophet, John, and the Changer. It also has a very good ending which you will not expect. If you like fairy-tales and Christian allegories, you will want to read this one. I wish I could give it TEN STARS.

LAURA ANDREWS