Billy Graham: An Oral and Narrative Biography
Rights Contact Login For More Details
More About This Title Billy Graham: An Oral and Narrative Biography
English
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.
English
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.
English
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.
English
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)
