C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography, Vol. 1

By: C. H. Spurgeon

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 21 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

At the age of 17, Spurgeon became pastor to a handful of believers at Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire, meeting in what had been a dovecote. Within five years, he had become the best-known minister in London. Two years later, following the Sepoy Mutiny, he conducted a service of national humiliation in the Crystal Palace that was attended by 24,000 people.

But this volume is far from being a record of human fame and success. From his first years of childhood in rural Essex to the first years of revival in London, Spurgeon pours out his story with an enthralling fullness and color that emphasizes the center and passion of his life. Whatever Spurgeon did, he did it for Christ - and therefore even his autobiography leads our eyes from his own works of service to the Savior behind them.

Public Domain (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Not just an autobiography

Spurgeon's "autobiography" was compiled from letters, sermons, and other sources after his death. Portions of the book are written by its editors or Mrs. Spurgeon.

The book is a wonderful insight into Spurgeon's life and ministry. The first volume deals with his early life and ministry in London. There is a lot of background and reminisces about his childhood, a lengthy defense of his Calvinistic doctrine, and information about his meteoric rise and popularity.

I wouldn't recommend the book to someone who is not somewhat familiar with Spurgeon and his ministry. It was not put together to introduce the subject to a reader.

Go ahead and get ready to get volume two if you enjoy this.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

First Timer

God bless those who labored to make this an audio book. Pray for them! Hallelujah

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great content - reader ruined it - read the book!!

Mr. Whitfield, The reader/performer, would find it very good to think about what he is reading. The humility of the book and its great depth of spirituality seems to be completely lost upon Mr. Whitfield. It pains me to say it but his pompous voice is completely contrary to the content given regarding a man of great depth, whose life so clearly defines what it means to be a servant of God. I actually own the written book, and find myself deeply regretting having allowed Mr. Whitfield's voice to influence what should have been a wonderful read. Besides, the book itself is filled with wonderful photographs!

I will NOT be purchasing part 2 of this autobiography, unless I find it to be read by someone better than Mr. Whitfield. I would say "thank you", now, here at the end of these remarks. However Mr Whitfield's irrepentant thank you at the end leaves me with a disdain to repeat those words, here. Please allow me to instead end with advise to, when purchasing an audiobook, check carefully who will be reading it for you.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great insight in the life of one of God's Men

Would you consider the audio edition of C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography, Vol. 1 to be better than the print version?

No, but every bit as good, with the great of the reader

What other book might you compare C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography, Vol. 1 to and why?

Not sure I can compare.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Amazing

Remarkable autobiography from a giant in his time. Interesting also for perspective on the cultural changes since his life.

Amazing

How can you not be challenged to your deepest soul when hearing First hand of the devotion Spurgeon had for his Savior.

Just wonderful.

While quite lengthy a read/listen, this work was excellently compiled and written for the edification of anyone looking for information regarding CHS and the drive of his faith.

A wonderful listen!

A wonderful listen! I found myself a greater in greater admiration for Mr Spurgeon and a deeper desire to know and to love his Saviour that he proclaimed. Eagerly awaiting the second volume!

Enlightening

Enlightening and inspiring to learn the history behind the name Spurgeon. As a Baptist in the UK, and knowing Spurgeon's College is where Baptist ministers are trained, I felt the need to investigate further. I'm definitely not disappointed to learn the history behind this great man of God.
My belief system has been verified by listening to this audio book overnight, in periods of wakefulness on my iPod. Had I not been quadriplegic with MS, I would never have had the opportunity – or should I say 'bothered' to read Spurgeon's life story! Had I listened to the voice of God, when I heard His prompting (at a similar age), I would probably have gone into ministry oversees. As it happened, I experienced a lengthy wilderness period! Now, at least I have the opportunity to witness to my carers.
Spurgeon was undoubtedly a great witness, and don't we need a few brave souls to tackle the secular, materialistic, egocentric generations – about four generations of 2012. I had thought a revival might occur with the 'economic climate.' But, as we read in Matthew 28, these are just 'birth pangs', I just say Maranatha – come the Lord Jesus!
Anyone wanting further inspiration, try Bonhoeffer. This is so interesting to learn about the world wars and Hitler from a German perspective. Another tome almost completed. Another truly inspirational man.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

UTTERLY INSPIRATIONAL! !

having heard many of Spurgeon's sermons I'm amazed that I only now have reveled in the biography of his life. What a man, what a servant and what a blessing. Oh that I could be as faithful and obedient as he was. The glory that would bring to God is untold. Thank God for His providence. Phillip Curtis

A must read for Christians

I'm not sure who would want to read this book unless they were a Christian, as so much of the book was based on theology. However it is a brilliant book if you agree with the view point, ie Jesus is the way. As with all autobiographies, you get much more emotion of the persons upbringing, but far fewer of the actual facts. You miss out on details like date and place of birth, history of the parents etc. It would have been nice to have a family tree and some maps, which perhaps there are in an actual paper book.

The actual story of this man is amazing, how by the age of around 19 he was leading a massive church in London and regularly speaking to congregations of many thousands. And this carried on virtually until his death (although the rest of the story you will read in the 2nd part of the biography - a must purchase if you have read this one.) I also loved the chapters written by his wife. They were clearly very much in love and you can feel how much she misses him as these were written after his death.

There are some theology points I did not understand - perhaps a grounding in the Calvinist/Arminist debate would help? The narration is good, but the recording not so. Someone should have checked the audio version of this before publishing it. There are some paragraphs which are repeated, some where it gets stuck and he says the same word 10 times, etc etc.

Well worth listening to.