For the Glory

Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr

By: Duncan Hamilton

Narrated by: Nicholas Guy Smith

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

“Hamilton is a guarantee of quality.”—Financial Times

“Duncan Hamilton’s compelling biography puts flesh on the legend and paints a vivid picture of not only a great athlete, but also a very special human being.”—Daily Mail

The untold and inspiring story of Eric Liddell, hero of Chariots of Fire, from his Olympic medal to his missionary work in China to his last, brave years in a Japanese work camp during WWII

Many people will remember Eric Liddell as the Olympic gold medalist from the Academy Award winning film Chariots of Fire. Famously, Liddell would not run on Sunday because of his strict observance of the Christian sabbath, and so he did not compete in his signature event, the 100 meters, at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was the greatest sprinter in the world at the time, and his choice not to run was ridiculed by the British Olympic committee, his fellow athletes, and most of the world press. Yet Liddell triumphed in a new event, winning the 400 meters in Paris.

Liddell ran—and lived—for the glory of his God. After winning gold, he dedicated himself to missionary work. He travelled to China to work in a local school and as a missionary. He married and had children there. By the time he could see war on the horizon, Liddell put Florence, his pregnant wife, and children on a boat to Canada, while he stayed behind, his conscience compelling him to stay among the Chinese. He and thousands of other westerners were eventually interned at a Japanese work camp.

Once imprisoned, Liddell did what he was born to do, practice his faith and his sport. He became the moral center of an unbearable world. He was the hardest worker in the camp, he counseled many of the other prisoners, he gave up his own meager portion of meals many days, and he organized games for the children there. He even raced again. For his ailing, malnourished body, it was all too much. Liddell died of a brain tumor just before the end of the war. His passing was mourned around the world, and his story still inspires.

In the spirit of The Boys in the Boat and Unbroken, For the Glory is both a compelling narrative of athletic heroism and a gripping story of faith in the darkest circumstances.

©2016 Duncan Hamilton (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Poignant . . . moving . . . [For the Glory] will appeal to fans of Chariots of Fire as well as Unbroken and similar books.”—Kirkus

“In this vivid portrait of Eric Liddell, Hamilton shows us not only the power of a hero, but also the power of faith. He brings to life a man who was exemplary in his perseverance and unbending in his beliefs when facing adversity. A beautifully-written, evocative story of unflinching morality and true humanity.”—Eric Blehm, New York Times Bestselling author of Fearless and Legend

“A marriage of prose and detail so fine and fastidious that it takes the breath away.”—The Independent (UK)

'For His Glory' Would Be A More Appropriate Title

This book, much like Eric Liddell's life, is not about running. Rather, it's about his life long passion of missionary work. He was born into it and died doing it, with only a brief moment racing for glory; but it was for His glory that Eric ran.

One cannot listen to this book without feeling inadequate about being a compassionate human being. Liddell's story isn't one of self-righteous judgement of sinners and non-believers. It is something more akin to Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus Christ Himself, who cared more about their fellow man than their own self-interest.

I felt the author too hurriedly described the historical context of Chinese history and it's pertinence to Liddell's story. However, that doesn't take away from the author's account; I would prefer more where others might prefer less. Another criticism is the author's continuous use of the word, anachronism; archaic or old-fashioned are more appropriate in each of his uses while anachronism (albeit not incorrectly used) is more for a chronological impossibility (e.g., Abraham Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address, reading from an Android Smartphone).

Much like Laura Hillenbrand's "Unbroken," one is emotionally bonded with the subject and simultaneously distraught at the cruelties of mankind during Liddell's time in WWII occupied China.

Much more than an athlete

Loved this full account of his life Great historical details. A great love story intertwined with family and faith

Wonderful and Inspiring

A remarkable real work about a remarkable and very real man of faith. The audiobook was flawlessly produced and everything needed to bring Eric Liddell alive.

Great story about a great man.

This was a great story. I knew the Chariots of Fire version but this added so much more. In these sometimes challenging times it is awesome to learn the story of someone who truly faced adversity and maintained his principles. Great story. Great narration. I will listen to it again.

Intriguing and inspiring

This is an intricate and detailed account of Eric Liddell’s faith, talents, bravery, brilliance and therefore… his life. The author does a marvelous job of making one feel as though your there with this Olympic champion, devoted missionary and resilient prisoner of war. This book goes way beyond what “Chariots of Fire” offered… it’s a journey in itself… well worth the walk through just to get to know, one unforgettable and profoundly unique life of a true champion!

No hypocrisy

May all of us who name the Name be as committed. A well written story of a truly great man.

Very well done...Enjoyed very much

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have longed admired Eric Liddel. This book was well written and the narrator was great.

exceptional

this book was technically well told by the speaker and would have been exceptional regardless.

glorious

Incredible account of a great man. every young man who is into athletics should read this.

a great example of Jesus.

Well written, well performed. Great encouragement to be like Eric Liddle who lived his life for Jesus.