William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity [Paperback]

Kevin Belmonte (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2007

Dramatized in the major motion picture Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce is the remarkable account of how one man's vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice brought freedom to thousands and changed the course of history. 'That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.' ---Dr. Os Guinness, author of Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil 'An excellently researched and insightfully written biography ... I applaud its sound scholarship and commend its perceptive insights into a great life.' ---Brian Sibley, author of C. S. Lewis: Through the Shadowlands William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity is the definitive biography of the English statesman who overcame incredible odds to bring about the end of slavery and slave trade. Called 'the wittiest man in England' by philosopher and novelist Madame de Stael, praised by Abraham Lincoln, and renowned for his oratorical genius, Wilberforce worked tirelessly to accomplish his goal. Whether you are an avid student of history, a pupil of prominent leaders of the past, or simply someone who reads for pleasure, you will love award-winning biographer Kevin Belmonte's vivid account of the life of William Wilberforce.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.' -- Dr. Os Guinness

About the Author

Kevin Belmonte is a visiting author at Gordon College and the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace. Winner of the 2003 John Pollock Award for Christian Biography, Belmonte has edited Wilberforce's classic apologetic work A Practical View of Christianity and served as a script consultant for the BBC. He and his wife, Kelly, along with their son, Samuel, reside in New England.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (January 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310274885
• ISBN-13: 978-0310274889
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kevin Belmonte holds a B.A. in English Literature from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a second master's degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine (Portland). His first biography, William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity, received the prestigious John Pollock Award for Christian Biography and has been taught as part of a course on leadership and character formation at The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. For six years, Belmonte served as the lead historical consultant for the motion picture Amazing Grace.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wilberforce with balance, May 11, 2007

By 

uursamajor (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Paperback)

This was a fabulously written and researched book. The depth of the original documents that were touched made it authoritative and the writing style was captivating. The descriptions of his personal and family life and how he related to his peers was particularly valuable to me. I also gained any insights into the reading list of Wiliam Wilberforce which is always a window into a man's soul. Highly recommended.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite biography, November 11, 2007

By 

A. Smith - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Paperback)

I read a lot of biographies, and have to say that while I am a fan of William Wilberforce and the movie Amazing Grace, this biography is not on my favorites list. Primarily, I disliked the structure of the book. It is written topically instead of chronologically having sections on his early life, his political life, his influence, his family life, etc. For example, the book has 10 chapters, and his marriage to Barbara Spooner isn't introduced until chapter 8! This made the book feel like a collection of essays instead of a typical biography. I won't read it again.

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book and a marvelous hero for any and all ages!, February 28, 2007

By 

Aimee Thor "Aimee Thor" (Xenia, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Paperback)

Kevin Belmonte meticulously researched the facts and the emotion of this biography. It is pure and simply delicious reading with insights that touch the heart and move the senses. Awesome!