Amazing grace: John Newton's story

by John Charles Pollock

Follows the life of the slave ship captain who became a Christian preacher and social reformer, and composed the popular hymn

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

190 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

The late John Pollock, an award-winning biographer, had a flair for telling a dramatic story. He used this talent to write many biographies including ones on D. L. Moody and Major General Sir Henry Havelock.

Reviews

[Emilie Chase]

Though I’m not a huge fan of biographies, this book was informative and brought to light the life of one of the greatest hymn writers in history. It was a bit dense and upsetting, especially when talking about the Slave Trade, but that was only for a few chapters. I did love how the title ties in so well with the key theme of this book. Newton realized that it was only through God’s amazing grace that he was able to be saved! ( Just as we all must realize that, eventually. )

Overall, I give this book 3 stars. It was a bit hard to understand, and some of the content was a bit graphic, which is to be expected during that time.

Favorite Quote:

I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior!

[Makarioseirini]

I give this book a full 5 stars without any hesitation, whatsoever! A wonderful and encouraging read about a fellow sinner's turning to Jesus' saving grace, and his ministry thereafter.
Now to find the author's book on Wilberforce!

[James C Evans]

A wonderful book, with countless lessons. Not the least of which is that there is truly no sin too great for the Believer. Newton was as despicable a human as you may ever see, but overcame it all thorough faith and grace to make a tremendous positive impact on the world.

[Gillian]

The content was challenging to read but I’m pleased I did. Written in a dated style.

[Josh Miller]

What a pleasurable read! Loved, loved, loved this book! God used this story to remind me yet once again that He can and will save anyone who comes to Him in simple faith. No one is too far gone in this life to turn their life around and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. God used Newton in many different ways after his salvation of which the book describes in further detail.

I recommend this book to all people old and young - you will not regret reading this story of "Amazing Grace!"

[Sean]

Newton's story is clearly amazing and to the credit of God's Grace. This biography in its focus on writing about Newton's life falls short in its saccharinised treatment of the struggles and failures in Newton's journey to full faith and total surrender. Having said this, Pollock writes well and his book is worth reading despite my reservations.

[Susan]

Enjoyed this biography of John Newton. Being a slave trader was not the only thing that amazing grace covered in his life.

[Julie]

Wonderful! I just loved "seeing" God's hand on John Newton's life, wow, what a life. Encouraging and awesome.

[Iain Hamill]

Exciting and encouraging biography of an undeniably interesting man!

[Reginald Detabali]

I find this book the 'grace' which is so amazing. You will never love John Newton apart from it.