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The Life of A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God
To understand the continued and far-reaching ministry of A. W. Tozer, it is important to know who he was, including his relationship with God. In The Life of A. W. Tozer, James Snyder lets us in on the life and times of a deep thinker who was not afraid to “tell it like it is” and never compromised his beliefs. A. W. Tozer’s spiritual legacy continues today as his writings challenge readers to a deeper relationship and worship of God in reverence and adoration. Here is Tozer’s life story, from boyhood and his conversion at the age of seventeen, to his years of pastoring and writing more than 40 books, at least two regarded as Christian classics that continue to appear on best seller lists today. Examining Tozer’s life allows the reader to learn from a prophet with much to say against the compromises he observed in contemporary Christian living and the hope he found in his incredible God. “The Life of A. W. Tozer gives a behind the scenes look at the man and his message. We see God at work with hammer and chisel to shape Tozer’s life into a vessel capable of influencing all who desire to walk with God. No single author has influenced me personally more than A. W. Tozer. I thank God for his influence on my life.”Gary M. Benedict, President, The Christian and Missionary Alliance
221 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1991
53 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
James L. Snyder
91 books10 followersJames L. Snyder, general editor, is the pastor of the Family of God Fellowship in Ocala, Florida. He is recognized as an authority on the life and ministry of A.W. Tozer and has written a number of books and essays in Christian periodicals about Tozer. Snyder has a weekly radio ministry and writes a nationally syndicated newspaper column.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 31, 2010
This book sent me on a journey that, quite literally, changed my life. This was my first introduction to A.W. Tozer. This book lit a fire in me want to know more about Tozer's heart for God, ministry, and practice. Subsequently, I have purchased EVERY book written by Tozer and have read most of them.
I highly recommend this book...
I highly recommend this book...
December 31, 2024
I picked up this book for a character sketch for my church history class, and it was a very relaxing and captivating read. The Knowledge of the Holy was the best book I read this year; Tozer captures theological ideas in a dense and literately beautiful way. Reading about his life enhances the experience of reading his work. He was a man who deeply loved God.
Sprinkled throughout the book were Tozer grams! Just bite-sized lines of things he had said or written for the magazine he wrote for. This, and small excerpts from people in Tozer's life were a fun way to break up the sections within the book. (This may be normal in biographies, but I have not read one cover-to-cover before this book - who would have thought I'd enjoy a biography so much?)
The introduction of this book was a wise commentary on what biographies can be: promotion of celebrities that elevate man too high, “simply celebrity propaganda.” The author explained Tozer’s reasoning for biographical writing and adopted it himself. Everything we write should be worshipful to our God, and to elevate a man to some super-Christian status would be wrong. Honesty and honour of the subject’s integrity are essential qualities of a good biography. I felt the author was mostly faithful to this philosophy. When the author of a book draws your attention to something, you watch for it. In the progression of reading this book, it felt like the beginning and well into the middle he mostly praised Tozer, but in the end, he did not shy away from some of Tozer’s faults, more his humanity. Tozer was a remarkable man, but he also exemplified how the ways we are raised influence our adult life and the way we do family and home life.
A thought that came from reading his biography (especially applicable as I near the end of my time at Bible college) was about how much time Tozer spent reading, studying, and praying. There are not many of us with that kind of burning desire for more knowledge of God, and this knowledge of God was motivated by deep love. How we spend our time reflects the desires of our hearts, and we could all learn something from Tozer. I like reads like this one because it emotionally inspires and moves me. What a blessing it is to read about Tozer's prayer life. It was especially impactful to read accounts of how he touched others with his sincerity and devotion to the Lord when it came to talking to his heavenly Father.
Sprinkled throughout the book were Tozer grams! Just bite-sized lines of things he had said or written for the magazine he wrote for. This, and small excerpts from people in Tozer's life were a fun way to break up the sections within the book. (This may be normal in biographies, but I have not read one cover-to-cover before this book - who would have thought I'd enjoy a biography so much?)
The introduction of this book was a wise commentary on what biographies can be: promotion of celebrities that elevate man too high, “simply celebrity propaganda.” The author explained Tozer’s reasoning for biographical writing and adopted it himself. Everything we write should be worshipful to our God, and to elevate a man to some super-Christian status would be wrong. Honesty and honour of the subject’s integrity are essential qualities of a good biography. I felt the author was mostly faithful to this philosophy. When the author of a book draws your attention to something, you watch for it. In the progression of reading this book, it felt like the beginning and well into the middle he mostly praised Tozer, but in the end, he did not shy away from some of Tozer’s faults, more his humanity. Tozer was a remarkable man, but he also exemplified how the ways we are raised influence our adult life and the way we do family and home life.
A thought that came from reading his biography (especially applicable as I near the end of my time at Bible college) was about how much time Tozer spent reading, studying, and praying. There are not many of us with that kind of burning desire for more knowledge of God, and this knowledge of God was motivated by deep love. How we spend our time reflects the desires of our hearts, and we could all learn something from Tozer. I like reads like this one because it emotionally inspires and moves me. What a blessing it is to read about Tozer's prayer life. It was especially impactful to read accounts of how he touched others with his sincerity and devotion to the Lord when it came to talking to his heavenly Father.
August 24, 2020
"'You can be straight as a gun barrel theologically,' Tozer often remarked, 'and as empty as one spiritually.' . . . For him [a personal relationship with God] was a relationship so real, so overpowering as to utterly captivate his attention. He longed for what he fondly referred to as a God-conscious soul—a heart aflame for God."
A readable, informative biography. Having read two Tozer classics (The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy) and many of his "quotable quotes," I now have a much better understanding of the man behind the preaching and writing. His desire to pursue God is truly humbling to me. It's good that one of the best ways we learn is by example.
The book is part chronological, part topical in its organization (I enjoy both kinds of biography, so the mixed organization didn't bother me at all). My only real quibble is that although the author doesn't completely ignore Tozer's faults, he is sometimes too hesitant to acknowledge them for what they are.
A readable, informative biography. Having read two Tozer classics (The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy) and many of his "quotable quotes," I now have a much better understanding of the man behind the preaching and writing. His desire to pursue God is truly humbling to me. It's good that one of the best ways we learn is by example.
The book is part chronological, part topical in its organization (I enjoy both kinds of biography, so the mixed organization didn't bother me at all). My only real quibble is that although the author doesn't completely ignore Tozer's faults, he is sometimes too hesitant to acknowledge them for what they are.
April 26, 2022
Fascinating and strange aspects to this man.. well-composed biography that lends more understanding to the interpretation of his works.
December 31, 2018
A very concise book on the life and ministry of A.W.Tozer. Well detailed, looking at both his personal life and ministry. He was one who truly sought after God on a daily basis, and his ministry showed it. A great inspiration for any who seek a deeper walk with God.
May 25, 2012
Very Strong Biography on A.W. Tozer
A.W. Tozer is routinely described as a 20th century prophet. Tozer served as a pastor in The Christian & Missionary Alliance for 44 years, most of which was spent in South Chicago. During that time his Church grew from about 80 to 800 members. In addition, he served as the Editor of the Alliance Life Magazine from 1950 during which time circulation exploded, primarily because of the demand for his insightful editorials.
Tozer wrote several classic books of Christian Literature in his life-time. Denominational publishing house Christian Publications has compiled many additional books from his recorded sermons and other writings since that time.
Tozer remains a remarkably contemporary voice of prophetic clarity, even today despite the fact that he passed away in 1963 (the same year CS Lewis died.) This is because he had a unique talent for plain and forthright speaking that cut through the typical speaking of religion which tries to be "relevant" to the current day and age. He spoke to matters of the heart that are timeless and as applicable now as they were then.
Snyder's biography of Tozer benefits from access to a great deal of source material present at Christian Publications and also relies on interviews with Tozer's children to give a very good insight into Tozer the man and the context from which he wrote.
Voted one of the most popular books of 1991 by readers of Christianity Today, "In Pursuit of God" is a well written and valuable biography that lays Tozer's life out before his millions of readers who cut across the entire scope of Christendom.
'In Pursuit of God,'is a necessary resource for any true student of Tozer. It is an enjoyable read for those who simply want to know more about the man whose writings have brought them closer to God.
A.W. Tozer is routinely described as a 20th century prophet. Tozer served as a pastor in The Christian & Missionary Alliance for 44 years, most of which was spent in South Chicago. During that time his Church grew from about 80 to 800 members. In addition, he served as the Editor of the Alliance Life Magazine from 1950 during which time circulation exploded, primarily because of the demand for his insightful editorials.
Tozer wrote several classic books of Christian Literature in his life-time. Denominational publishing house Christian Publications has compiled many additional books from his recorded sermons and other writings since that time.
Tozer remains a remarkably contemporary voice of prophetic clarity, even today despite the fact that he passed away in 1963 (the same year CS Lewis died.) This is because he had a unique talent for plain and forthright speaking that cut through the typical speaking of religion which tries to be "relevant" to the current day and age. He spoke to matters of the heart that are timeless and as applicable now as they were then.
Snyder's biography of Tozer benefits from access to a great deal of source material present at Christian Publications and also relies on interviews with Tozer's children to give a very good insight into Tozer the man and the context from which he wrote.
Voted one of the most popular books of 1991 by readers of Christianity Today, "In Pursuit of God" is a well written and valuable biography that lays Tozer's life out before his millions of readers who cut across the entire scope of Christendom.
'In Pursuit of God,'is a necessary resource for any true student of Tozer. It is an enjoyable read for those who simply want to know more about the man whose writings have brought them closer to God.
May 31, 2012
A.W. Tozer was an amazing man. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Here is an excerpt of a spiritual experience Tozer had when he was a young pastor.
Tozer was in the woods with a preacher friend...they went to the woods for a time of private Bible reading and prayer. The friend stopped part way into the woods because he was tired but Tozer continued on. "I went on a little farther, as Jesus did, and knelt down and began to read my Bible. I was reading about the camp of Israel in the wilderness and how God laid it out in a beautiful diamond pattern. All at once, I saw God as I never saw Him before. In that wooded sanctuary, I fell on my face and worshipped. Since that experience, I have alost all interest in cheap religious thrills. The vacuous religious choruses we sing hold not attraction for me. I came face-to-face with the sovereign God, and sine that time only God mattered in my life"
At the end of the book is a list of books that Tozer recommended for those who would know, "the deep things of God".
Here is a couple of those books
'Christian Perfection' by Francois Fenelong (you can get this book free (pdf) on the internet.
'On loving God' by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
'Revelations of Divine Love' by Juliana of Norwich
'The practice of the presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
Tozer was in the woods with a preacher friend...they went to the woods for a time of private Bible reading and prayer. The friend stopped part way into the woods because he was tired but Tozer continued on. "I went on a little farther, as Jesus did, and knelt down and began to read my Bible. I was reading about the camp of Israel in the wilderness and how God laid it out in a beautiful diamond pattern. All at once, I saw God as I never saw Him before. In that wooded sanctuary, I fell on my face and worshipped. Since that experience, I have alost all interest in cheap religious thrills. The vacuous religious choruses we sing hold not attraction for me. I came face-to-face with the sovereign God, and sine that time only God mattered in my life"
At the end of the book is a list of books that Tozer recommended for those who would know, "the deep things of God".
Here is a couple of those books
'Christian Perfection' by Francois Fenelong (you can get this book free (pdf) on the internet.
'On loving God' by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
'Revelations of Divine Love' by Juliana of Norwich
'The practice of the presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
December 29, 2022
Anul acesta m-am trezit adesea citind cărti scrise de Tozer și am început să le îndragesc tare mult, așa că am spus ca e neaparat să citesc și biografia lui, să văd cum era el și cum a reușit să fie omul care a fost. Nu m-a mirat deloc ceea ce am descoperit în biografia sa, faptul că a fost un om al rugăciunii, un om care petrecea ore întregi în părtășie cu Dumnezeu. Un lucru pe care l-am aflat din biografia sa și care a devenit tocmai motivul pentru care am ajuns să îndragesc acest scriitor este tocmai faptul că nu a fost un teolog cu multă școală, în comparație cu mulți alții, ci a fost un pastor care și-a trăit constant viața în părtășie cu Dumnezeu, iar lucrul acesta l-a făcut să-L descopere pe Dumnezeu într-un mod deosebit.
Exact asa cum spunea odată Leonard Ravenhill- “Mă tem că nu o să mai avem vreodată un alt Tozer. Oamenii ca el nu sunt produși de colegii, ci învățați de Duhul.”
Un lucru care mi-a placut foarte mult a fost faptul ca James Snyder a scris biografia lui Tozer chiar dupa principiile acetuia de a scrie o biografie, iar aceasta înseamnă că nu a ezitat să scrie și despre parțile mai puțin evlavioase din viața sa, pe care fiecare om le are, dar de multe ori în biografii sunt evitate, așa că ne-a prezentat un Tozer exact așa cum a fost el.
iulie 2022
Exact asa cum spunea odată Leonard Ravenhill- “Mă tem că nu o să mai avem vreodată un alt Tozer. Oamenii ca el nu sunt produși de colegii, ci învățați de Duhul.”
Un lucru care mi-a placut foarte mult a fost faptul ca James Snyder a scris biografia lui Tozer chiar dupa principiile acetuia de a scrie o biografie, iar aceasta înseamnă că nu a ezitat să scrie și despre parțile mai puțin evlavioase din viața sa, pe care fiecare om le are, dar de multe ori în biografii sunt evitate, așa că ne-a prezentat un Tozer exact așa cum a fost el.
iulie 2022
June 2, 2014
I was impressed by the man, A.W. Tozer and his life was a challenge to me to pursue God more whole heartedly and more passionately. I was not all that impressed by this biography though. It seemed disjointed and everything was to compartmentalized. Rather than following the flow of Tozer's life. One chapter dealt with one subject and another dealt with a different subject regarding Tozer's life. I learned just as much about the poems that Tozer loved as I did about his family and this frustrated me as I read.
January 3, 2015
This is the first biography I have read on Tozer. With that being said, it was entertaining to be able to see bits and pieces of the life of a man that I enjoy reading. Tozer was a remarkable man of God that was always in pursuit of a greater knowledge of God and His beloved Son Jesus. I wish the book would have talked more about Tozer's neglect of his wife. Other than that I recommend this book!
June 30, 2014
Good book
A book that examines all aspects of Dr. Tozer's life, be it flattering or not. A must read for Christians.
A book that examines all aspects of Dr. Tozer's life, be it flattering or not. A must read for Christians.
March 21, 2018
I have admired Tozer from my first reading of one of his books. My admiration of the man has only grown with each of his books that I have read and now with this biography. It is hard in my opinion during this day and age to find people who are adamant about practicing the presence of the Lord. I enjoyed that this book shows how Tozer accomplished this practice. It shows his utter devotion to the Lord. I also love that it talks about his humor and personality which are rarely if ever seen in his books. I would recommend this book for anyone who is a Tozer fan.
January 25, 2021
A good biography on A.W. Tozer. It helpfully names many of the people, and especially people of old whom Tozer read and was greatly influenced by. Tozer was a man who communed closely with God, through Christ the Savior. That intimacy with God was Tozer's finest point, and the reason God was able to do so much good through him.
February 17, 2021
So well-written and inspiring
I did not know much about AW Tozer, but his devotions and books. This biography only increased the anointing of the man who has made a great impact on me even after his death. The book was so wonderfully written that I read the entire book in one evening.
I did not know much about AW Tozer, but his devotions and books. This biography only increased the anointing of the man who has made a great impact on me even after his death. The book was so wonderfully written that I read the entire book in one evening.
November 28, 2023
“Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity”
What a prayer from the man who became a huge figure in the Christian world but never let himself lose his focus on God and God alone.
What a prayer from the man who became a huge figure in the Christian world but never let himself lose his focus on God and God alone.
March 1, 2024
A. W. Tozer...I can't say enough about the man. His Pursuit of God and Knowledge of the Holy are simply incredible reads that expand anyone's view of the God we love and serve. Indispensable reading! So, reading about Tozer's life and work is so refreshing. Well done!
July 28, 2025
Have read the excerpt In Pursuit of God. Tozer has given excellent information to anyone truly wanting to improve & deepen their relationship with God. Scripturally accurate providing material that is a source for further meditation and Bible reading.
January 13, 2019
3 out of 5. The writing is bland and elementary.
March 17, 2020
Interesting and easy to read biography of an inspiring man who was dedicated to the Lord above all things.
December 28, 2020
A classic ... well worth reading over and over ... but is a challenge to leave behind a mediocre faith for the real thing
August 20, 2022
A book of true meaning, profound substance! I hope that my memory of this book will never dim!
December 27, 2022
Wonderfully written
April 24, 2023
Such an inspirational book. Underlined so many good quotes, he was a really smart and educated man. I will definetly read some of his books..
July 22, 2025
I truly enjoyed it.
June 29, 2015
Good book.
“What set Tozer apart was his ability to quickly assimilate the knowledge he gained from reading. Tozer was more than a reader – he was a thinker. He often counseled, 'You should think ten times more than you read.'
This was his own practice throughout his life. By doing so his own thinking, he arrived at his own independent conclusions. As one member reflected on that period of Tozer's ministry, 'He could say more in fifteen minutes than many preachers could say in an hour.'”
- James L. Snyder, A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God, The Biography (Oxford, UK: Monarch Books, 2009), 71.
“What set Tozer apart was his ability to quickly assimilate the knowledge he gained from reading. Tozer was more than a reader – he was a thinker. He often counseled, 'You should think ten times more than you read.'
This was his own practice throughout his life. By doing so his own thinking, he arrived at his own independent conclusions. As one member reflected on that period of Tozer's ministry, 'He could say more in fifteen minutes than many preachers could say in an hour.'”
- James L. Snyder, A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God, The Biography (Oxford, UK: Monarch Books, 2009), 71.
May 14, 2016
Great book and I am excited to read other books by Tozer after reading this. My only reservation is learning that he was a man that neglected his family because of the ministry. I will not judge but rather be cautious as to make my calling as a husband and father much higher than my calling to preach as this is what I believe the Bible teaches. I am always sad when I see or hear of men, who were giants of the faith, that neglected their families because of the ministry.
May 18, 2012
The life of Tozer was so good to read about. He set such a great example of living a life for God, which the book describes very well.
I love how the beginning of each chapter has a quote from someone that interacted with him and was impressed by him. As well as how the end of each chapter has quotes and prayers of his.
It was all very well written.
I love how the beginning of each chapter has a quote from someone that interacted with him and was impressed by him. As well as how the end of each chapter has quotes and prayers of his.
It was all very well written.
April 29, 2013
De leukste en beste biografie die ik gelezen heb.
Meer dan het aanbevelen waard!
Een bijzonder mens, bijzonder begaafd en bijzonder eenzaam.
'I have had a lonely life' zou hij aan het einde van zijn leven hebben gezegd.
Tegelijk ook een man die genoegen nam met een steen waarop stond 'A man of God'.
Boordevol leuke quotes en verhalen en meer.
Een must-read!
Meer dan het aanbevelen waard!
Een bijzonder mens, bijzonder begaafd en bijzonder eenzaam.
'I have had a lonely life' zou hij aan het einde van zijn leven hebben gezegd.
Tegelijk ook een man die genoegen nam met een steen waarop stond 'A man of God'.
Boordevol leuke quotes en verhalen en meer.
Een must-read!
June 20, 2013
James L. Synder's biography of Tozer and Lyle Dorsett's biography of Tozer go hand in hand. This is a wonderful biography and insight to the spiritual life of AW Tozer. Unlike Dorsett's biography it doesn't give quite as much detail. Overall a great book on a spiritual giant.
August 24, 2010
everyone needs this book in their library... a must read on a great Christian who spoke truth
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews