Amazing Grace

William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

By: Eric Metaxas

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament.

At the center of this heroic life was a passionate 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833.

Metaxas discovers in this unsung hero a man of whom it can truly be said, "He changed the world." Before Wilberforce, few thought slavery was wrong. After Wilberforce, most societies in the world came to see it as a great moral wrong.

This account of Wilberforce's life will help many to become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America.

©2007 Eric Metaxas (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Powerful and meaningful

This book was masterfully written and effectively presented. It was at times poignant, at times laugh-out-loud funny but always interesting and thought-provoking. I learned so much about William Wilberforce, his times and English history generally. Highly recommended.

The personalization of who William Willberforce was as a person

Truly appreciated Willberforce’s Herculean efforts to end slavery and right the wrong of his day and country while suffused with his humility & love of the Lord

Incredible Story of Forgotten Hero

The story of William Wilberforce should be told in every school around the world. He was the driving force behind the abolition of the slave trade to the British colonies as a means to his ultimate goal of the emancipation of all slaves. But Wilberforce's story is deeper than one act, as if not enough. Metaxas asserts that Wilberforce, because of his personal experience of the forgiving, saving and healing Christ, seemed to give the British people a conscience by his work to start/support charities helping many people groups in need. I was impressed by the courage it took Wilberforce to stand against major business interests, friends, and even family for the sake of honoring his own conscience and the God created rights of his fellow man. Incredible story and one I can't wait to share with my friends and children.

Couldn't stop listening

In the beginning Johnny Heller seems to be rushing through the book and the hurried voice is a bit annoying. But you get interested in the story of Wilberforce and I found myself struggling to stop listening for things like sleep and work. After listening, I want to get a hard copy of the book to share aspects of the book with friends. Regarding the storytelling, it is very Christian and not a secular bio.

Outstanding

great narration, phenomenal story. I've always loved the story about William Wilberforce and am thankful for the honest and transparent description of his life.

Thrilling Biography

It seems ironic to put those two words together, but the very relatable and inspiring history of Wilberforce's life combined with the wit and detail of Eric Metaxas have pulled me through this book in just over 2 sittings.

The reading of Johnny Heller is also exceptional in lending character to this already exceptional book.

Highly recommend- this reading is both beneficial and hard to put down, a rare combination in these days when stories without virtues are so prevalent.

Everyone should know this story

This book and story was told in a captivating way. Everyone should know the story of William Wilberforce. Loved some of the mini biographies within the greater one.

Didn’t like narrator

The story is good but didn’t like the first narrator at all!
A few times I got confused with timeline but in general I liked it

Exceptional

This is an exceptional true story that every person in the world needs to hear!

Fantastic book.

A phenomenal work of art, capturing a phenomenal historical figure, the impact of whose life can never be overestimated. I highly recommend it.