John Wesley: A Biography

Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003. First Printing . Trade Paperback. Fine. 7 1/2" X 10 1/4. 208 Pages Indexed. Tight straight book with previous owner's inked-name on front endpaper. No other marks or stamps to this otherwise as new book. Interior text pages are near flawless. A compelling portrait of the father of Methodism. The life and work of John Wesley (1703-1791) has had an enormous influence on modern Christianity, not least for his role as father of the Methodist church. This book is a popular biography of the great figure, which brings his career and ideas alive for a new generation. Written with verve and grounded in thorough research, the book tells the story of Wesley's colorful and dramatic life. Te author chronicles Wesley's family background and early childhood, his school and university career, and his adult life as a religious leader in England. Throughout this engaging portrait, Tomkins pauses to explore a number of key issues in Wesley's increasingly rich religious views, including the renunciation of wealth and the role of women in church life. The volume concludes with an important assessment of Wesley's abiding influence both in his own country and abroad. Superbly crafted, John Wesley will interest those from the Methodist tradition as well as all general readers of church history.