Synopses & Reviews
"There have been many factors in play in establishing his [Billy Graham's] iconic statusfirst and foremost that he remains true to his calling, never wavering from his belief that God called him to be not an educator, missionary, pastor, or scholar, but an evangelist." from Chapter Eight
How did a farm boy from Charlotte, North Carolina, become one of America's most influential preachers and revered evangelists? This compelling oral biographywritten by noted historians and longtime friends of Graham Deborah Hart Strober and Gerald S. Strobertraces Billy Graham's early life from milking cows on the family farm to his religious training, his marriage to Ruth Bell, his work with Youth for Christ, and other milestones on his path to becoming the "pastor to the presidents."
This insightful and intimate portrait of a man who became a legend to millions of believers around the world draws on extensive archival material as well as many firsthand interviews with family, friends, political and religious leaders, and other close associates. The book not only explores Graham's remarkable career but highlights his many significant contributions on both the national and international scene. Readers will learn of the development of Graham's theology and its bearing on social issues as well as the importance of his work to the lives of Christians and non-Christians around the world.
Review
In June of 2005 Billy Graham preached his final "crusade" in New York. Nine months later, the once-indefatigable evangelist, 87 years old and slowed by Parkinson's disease, admitted that a sermon preached in New Orleans might possibly be his last. This timely tribute to the beloved elder statesman of evangelical Christianity is based on interviews with about 30 of Graham's longtime friends and associates. Interspersing topically arranged reminiscences with narrative and commentary, the book is less biography than encomium, occasionally veering into eulogy ("He will... be remembered as one of the few evangelists that led an impeccable life"). The Strobers, authors of numerous biographies including two previous books on Graham, take particular interest in his relations with Jews and his stance on Israel (during the Nixon era, Gerald worked for the American Jewish Committee as evangelical liaison). Some readers may be surprised to learn of Graham's friendship with Martin Luther King Jr.; his worldwide influence through four decades; and the fierce opposition he has sparked among some Christian fundamentalists. Graham fans will discover few surprises, and some may find the anecdotes repetitive and treacly, but many will enjoy the contributors' warm personal appreciation of Graham's life and work. (Aug.) (Publishers Weekly, May 29, 2006)
Synopsis
How did a farm boy from Charlotte, North Carolina, become one of America's most influential preachers and revered evangelists? This compelling oral biography --written by noted historians and longtime friends Graham Deborah H. Strober and Gerald S. Strober --traces Billy Graham's early life from milking cows on the family farm to his religious training, his marriage to Ruth Bell, his work with Youth for Christ, and other milestones on his path to becoming the -pastor to the presidents.- This insightful and intimate portrait of a man who became a legend to millions of believers around the world draws on extensive archival material as well as many firsthand interviews with family, friends, political and religious leaders, and other close associates. The book not only explores Graham's remarkable career but highlights his many significant contributions on both the national and international scene. Readers will learn of the development of Graham's theology and its bearing on social issues as well as the importance of his work to the lives of Christians and non-Christians around the world.
Synopsis
A Man Called "Billy" Traveled the World in the Name of the Lord"Billy Graham is, without any question, one of the greatest Christian leaders of the twentieth century. Through simple, direct, and attractive teaching he changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. It is probable we shall never see his like again. In this exceptionally well-produced and readable book, the personality of this significant man opens up before us."
—Lord George Carey, 103rd archbishop of Canterbury
The book is filled with interviews with Billy Graham's family, friends, political and religious leaders, and other close associates including
The Reverend Lane Adams
Lois K. Akehurst
Ben Armstrong
Arthur Bailey
Gerald Beaven
Bill Brown
Joan Winmill Brown
Dwight Chapin
Michael Deaver
Millie Dienert
The Reverend David Epstein
Rev. Paul Ferrin
Helen Stam Fesmire
The Reverend Leighton Ford
The Reverend Henry Holley
The Reverend Robert J. Johannson
The Reverend Howard O. Jones
The Reverend Dale Kietzman
The Reverend Billy Kim
Dr. Dwight Linton
Dr. Stephen Linton
Betty Bao Lord
Winston Lord
Anna-Lisa Madeira
William Martin
The Reverend Charles Massey
Joyce Mostrom
Roger Palms
Charles Riggs
Sidney Rittenberg
Maurice Rowlandson
Louis Zamperini
Synopsis
A Man Called "Billy" Traveled the World in the Name of the Lord
"Billy Graham is, without any question, one of the greatest Christian leaders of the twentieth century. Through simple, direct, and attractive teaching he changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. It is probable we shall never see his like again. In this exceptionally well-produced and readable book, the personality of this significant man opens up before us."
— Lord George Carey, 103rd archbishop of Canterbury
The book is filled with interviews with Billy Graham's family, friends, political and religious leaders, and other close associates including
The Reverend Lane Adams
Lois K. Akehurst
Ben Armstrong
Arthur Bailey
Gerald Beaven
Bill Brown
Joan Winmill Brown
Dwight Chapin
Michael Deaver
Millie Dienert
The Reverend David Epstein
Rev. Paul Ferrin
Helen Stam Fesmire
The Reverend Leighton Ford
The Reverend Henry Holley
The Reverend Robert J. Johannson
The Reverend Howard O. Jones
The Reverend Dale Kietzman
The Reverend Billy Kim
Dr. Dwight Linton
Dr. Stephen Linton
Betty Bao Lord
Winston Lord
Anna-Lisa Madeira
William Martin
The Reverend Charles Massey
Joyce Mostrom
Roger Palms
Charles Riggs
Sidney Rittenberg
Maurice Rowlandson
Louis Zamperini
Synopsis
How did a farm boy from
Charlotte,
North Carolina, become one of
America’s most influential preachers and revered evangelists? This compelling oral biography —written by noted historians and longtime friends Graham Deborah H. Strober and Gerald S. Strober —traces Billy Graham’s early life from milking cows on the family farm to his religious training, his marriage to Ruth Bell, his work with Youth for Christ, and other milestones on his path to becoming the “pastor to the presidents.” This insightful and intimate portrait of a man who became a legend to millions of believers around the world draws on extensive archival material as well as many firsthand interviews with family, friends, political and religious leaders, and other close associates. The book not only explores Graham’s remarkable career but highlights his many significant contributions on both the national and international scene. Readers will learn of the development of Graham’s theology and its bearing on social issues as well as the importance of his work to the lives of Christians and non-Christians around the world.
About the Author
Deborah Hart Strober and Gerald S. Strober are the authors of previous oral histories of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Kennedy, Nixon, and Reagan presidencies. Their most recent book is His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The Oral Biography from John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Bibliographic Note.
Acknowledgments.
Chronology.
The Interviewees.
Chapter 1: New York, 2005.
Chapter 2: From Charlotte to Wheaton.
Chapter 3: The Making of an Evangelist.
Chapter 4: From Harringay Arena to Madison Square Garden.
Chapter 5: From Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush.
Chapter 6: Billy Graham’s Vision for the World.
Chapter 7: The New Evangelicalism.
Chapter 8: Just as He Is: An American Icon.
Afterword.
The Authors.
Index.