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Bishop J. C. Ryle's Autobiography the Early Years
John Charles Ryle (1816-1900), first Bishop of Liverpool, was one of the most influential evangelical clergymen of the nineteenth century. A popular platform speaker and prolific tract writer, his books are still widely read across the globe.
Edited by Andrew Atherstone, this critical edition of Ryle's manuscript autobiography, dictated in 1873, is a rich and unparalleled account of the early decades of his life and ministry. He recalls his youthful pursuit of academic plaudits and sporting prowess at Eton College and Oxford University, before his evangelical conversion at the age of 21. He tells of the devastating collapse of the family bank and the enforced sale of their Cheshire estates, which ended his ambitions to enter parliament. Ryle describes his exploits as a young clergyman, his loves and losses, his evangelical networks, and the deaths of his first two wives. He offers a frank assessment of his joys and struggles, and the reasons behind his crucial life choices.
Edited by Andrew Atherstone, this critical edition of Ryle's manuscript autobiography, dictated in 1873, is a rich and unparalleled account of the early decades of his life and ministry. He recalls his youthful pursuit of academic plaudits and sporting prowess at Eton College and Oxford University, before his evangelical conversion at the age of 21. He tells of the devastating collapse of the family bank and the enforced sale of their Cheshire estates, which ended his ambitions to enter parliament. Ryle describes his exploits as a young clergyman, his loves and losses, his evangelical networks, and the deaths of his first two wives. He offers a frank assessment of his joys and struggles, and the reasons behind his crucial life choices.
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Published January 1, 2017
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About the author
J.C. Ryle
827 books490 followers(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 8, 2020
One of the best and most encouraging books that I have read in a long time. It contains an expertly edited version of the original manuscript of J. C. Ryle's autobiography of his early years. The footnotes are very illuminating and are a monument to the editor's diligence in research (he has done much work in finding material on Ryle in various collections in the British Library, the National Archives, the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and other archival repositories). The volume also contains transcriptions of Ryle's speeches while at Eton, tracts, and addresses from his early years in the ministry.
Given that Ryle was such a prominent figure within Victorian evangelicalism, this book should interest all historians of 19th-century religion. Its real value, however, lies in the practical encouragement that ordinary Christians will find within its pages. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Given that Ryle was such a prominent figure within Victorian evangelicalism, this book should interest all historians of 19th-century religion. Its real value, however, lies in the practical encouragement that ordinary Christians will find within its pages. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
January 20, 2023
Ryle’s autobiography covers his earlier years in life and was meant to be passed down to his kids. The research and footnotes in this book are really helpful and provide a lot of data on the people near Ryle during his life. This book is also used as a reference for Iain Murray’s biography during the first few chapters, but Murray’s bio certainly goes deeper and further. The great thing about this autobiography was hearing Ryle’s own words related to the incidents of his life - deaths close to him, his time at school, and even when his father went bankrupt and they lost everything (the most tragic event of his life). Reading his thoughts and wisdom later on in life in light of these things was really cool. The appendices in the book also have some great resources on Ryle - a funeral speech, their family Bible, a brief story on his conversion, and more. If you were picking one historical review on JC Ryle I would recommend Murray’s bio because it’s more comprehensive, but his autobiography is equally as edifying.
March 7, 2018
Ever since reading Holiness many years ago, I have been a fan of J C Ryle (1816-1900). I have read many books by him; recently I have read two books about him. The first was Ryle's biography by Iain H. Murray, J.C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone, which was very good. Now I have completed Bishop J. C. Ryle's Autobiography: The Early Years.
Editor Andrew Atherstone prepared the book from the recently-recovered manuscript of Ryle's autobiography, which he wrote for his children. As the title indicates, Ryle covers only about the first half of his life (his children were familiar with it from that point on). As one interested in the Victorian Age generally, and Ryle particularly, I found the book fascinating as the man tells his own story. Ryle went from riches to rags, from nominal Christianity to true faith in Christ, from a would-be lawyer, then banker, to a reluctant minister of the Church of England, only to become one of the outstanding evangelical preachers and writers of his day.
In addition to Ryle's autobiography, the book includes some of Ryle's early tracts, a funeral sermon he preached for a beloved parishioner, speeches from his Eton days, and other artifacts. Perhaps the most delightful element of the book is the many photographs of Ryle, his family, and places he lived and ministered. Many were taken by his third wife Henrietta, an early amateur photographer. Her photos include some of Ryle and others acting out scenes from Christian history and the book Pilgrim's Progress.
I have long been blessed and helped by Ryle's books, so naturally I was fascinated to read of his life. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to a reader of Ryle. Yes, he ended his ministry and life as the first bishop of Liverpool, but he went through many afflictions and much heartache along the way. His steadfastness in life and ministry inspire and encourage.
Editor Andrew Atherstone prepared the book from the recently-recovered manuscript of Ryle's autobiography, which he wrote for his children. As the title indicates, Ryle covers only about the first half of his life (his children were familiar with it from that point on). As one interested in the Victorian Age generally, and Ryle particularly, I found the book fascinating as the man tells his own story. Ryle went from riches to rags, from nominal Christianity to true faith in Christ, from a would-be lawyer, then banker, to a reluctant minister of the Church of England, only to become one of the outstanding evangelical preachers and writers of his day.
In addition to Ryle's autobiography, the book includes some of Ryle's early tracts, a funeral sermon he preached for a beloved parishioner, speeches from his Eton days, and other artifacts. Perhaps the most delightful element of the book is the many photographs of Ryle, his family, and places he lived and ministered. Many were taken by his third wife Henrietta, an early amateur photographer. Her photos include some of Ryle and others acting out scenes from Christian history and the book Pilgrim's Progress.
I have long been blessed and helped by Ryle's books, so naturally I was fascinated to read of his life. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to a reader of Ryle. Yes, he ended his ministry and life as the first bishop of Liverpool, but he went through many afflictions and much heartache along the way. His steadfastness in life and ministry inspire and encourage.
October 19, 2022
J. C. Ryle was a pastor who lived during the 1800s and was the author of the book Holiness, a great book on sanctification, among others. This is the first book containing his autobiography after many years of the misplaced document.
Raised as a wealthy, godless Englishman with many connections, he lost everything overnight shortly after his conversion. This led him to pastor in small, poor communities. He endured the deaths of his first and second wife, the insanity of his first wife and eldest daughter, and alienation from family and friends because of Christ. But he had a love for the lost and willingly gave up his Cambridge education method of preaching for a simplified method that the average farmer could follow, which God greatly used to grow his ministry.
What I really loved about his autobiography was how real he is. He struggled with depression throughout his life and was unashamed to boast in Christ as his firm foundation throughout. This book was written to his children who had an imperfect father with a great God. There are plenty of pictures, even some with his beloved animals (yes, he even liked cats!). The remainder of the book is a collection of some of his writings and memories from friends.
Raised as a wealthy, godless Englishman with many connections, he lost everything overnight shortly after his conversion. This led him to pastor in small, poor communities. He endured the deaths of his first and second wife, the insanity of his first wife and eldest daughter, and alienation from family and friends because of Christ. But he had a love for the lost and willingly gave up his Cambridge education method of preaching for a simplified method that the average farmer could follow, which God greatly used to grow his ministry.
What I really loved about his autobiography was how real he is. He struggled with depression throughout his life and was unashamed to boast in Christ as his firm foundation throughout. This book was written to his children who had an imperfect father with a great God. There are plenty of pictures, even some with his beloved animals (yes, he even liked cats!). The remainder of the book is a collection of some of his writings and memories from friends.
December 23, 2022
An excellent and vital volume for anyone doing a serious study of Ryle; just know what you are getting. Ryle's rough biography was intended for his children and only goes up to near the end of his Helmingham days. In addition to the autobiography, the book contains a number of appendices preserving the texts of a plethora of key documents, tracts, and family records. Finally, the book is loaded with a number of photographs and illustrations that are both illuminating and intriguing. Ryles' third wife, Henrietta, enjoyed photography. There are photos with Ryle posing as Luther as well as Christian and Mr. Greatheart from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.
June 17, 2024
It was an enjoyable read. Ryle wasn't writing it for publication so I think it suffered from a rather bare recitation of facts in many places but in others it was heartfelt and warming. Definitely worth reading if at all interested in Ryle's writings.
July 31, 2022
A great biography, but sad because it was never finished. The notes were very helpful.
December 24, 2016
J.C. Ryle's Autobiography has been rescued from oblivion by Banner of Truth in this gorgeous volume edited by Andrew Atherstone. The editing, copious footnotes, and information relentlessly dug out for this edition suggest to me that it was a labor of love for Mr. Atherstone. In fact, Banner of Truth has taken on the role of preserving Ryle's fine writings for our generation. In addition to his set on the Gospels, BOT has at least 8 other titles of his in print currently.
Iain Murray already provided us with an outstanding biography earlier this year and mentioned he had access to the autobiography as he wrote. I assumed this would be a nice extra volume, almost a collectible, since we already had that other volume, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Ryle wrote in an ideal style for autobiography and gave us tremendous insight into himself. When he would reflect, he would see that in certain points of his life he took a course that was not the best. He even criticized himself for a disposition that might have turned off some that he pastored. You might say he was "raw" before being raw was the rage.
Though the autobiography was written in mid-life, it is still outstanding. Atherstone added 7 appendices that shared things like the family Bible, some of his earliest tracts, and even his last will and testament. In the book you will get good biography and information of historical importance that brings Ryle to life.
If I had to choose, I'd probably pick the Murray biography of Ryle. Since we are not forced to make that hard choice, grab them both. This book, as said before, is stunning and of quality binding, and it is an easy, thoughtful, and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Iain Murray already provided us with an outstanding biography earlier this year and mentioned he had access to the autobiography as he wrote. I assumed this would be a nice extra volume, almost a collectible, since we already had that other volume, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Ryle wrote in an ideal style for autobiography and gave us tremendous insight into himself. When he would reflect, he would see that in certain points of his life he took a course that was not the best. He even criticized himself for a disposition that might have turned off some that he pastored. You might say he was "raw" before being raw was the rage.
Though the autobiography was written in mid-life, it is still outstanding. Atherstone added 7 appendices that shared things like the family Bible, some of his earliest tracts, and even his last will and testament. In the book you will get good biography and information of historical importance that brings Ryle to life.
If I had to choose, I'd probably pick the Murray biography of Ryle. Since we are not forced to make that hard choice, grab them both. This book, as said before, is stunning and of quality binding, and it is an easy, thoughtful, and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews