ePub William Wilberforce: The Life of the Great Anti-Slave Trade Campaigner by William Hague in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. How Christians in Politics Can Change the WorldBy AvidReaderWhat makes this one of the best biographies on Wilberforce is the author's personal experience in British politics. For us Americans who are unfamiliar with British political processes; we found it very helpful for the author to explain some of the details that enabled us to understand just how effective Wilberforce was as a Christian politician. This is such a fascinating story of how a young man born into wealth and power wanted to give it up and serve God in a monastery; but discovered that God had a different plan for his life. God had given him the wealth; power; and friendships for a reason. He would need every bit of his money; power; and friends to destroy a horrible evil. Can you imagine fighting the most powerful industry for forty years only to finally win on your deathbed? But Wilberforce walked into Heaven having accomplished his destiny and you'll just have to read this book to find out how it happened.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully written; well-researched biography of a true "public servant"By M. PopeThere have been a number of Wilberforce biographies that have come out in the last few years; but this one; by a member of Parliament for more than twenty-five years (including being leader of the Conservative Party and a member of the Shadow Cabinet); has the advantage of being not only extremely well-written and well-researched; but has a sense of "you are there;" particularly in making clear Wilberforce's great abilities as a speaker (both as he campaigned for election and re-election to Parliament) and in the House of Commons itself; his grace toward not only those members of Parliament who agreed with much of what he stood for; but those who did not; and his relentless determination to put his Christian faith into practice in a life of politics.In addition to his well-known generosity with his money (he ended his life virtually penniless because he gave away; during his life; most of the fortune he had inherited); what is perhaps less well known is that much of what made Wilberforce so powerful a figure for good during his life was his winsome and witty personality: people simply loved to be around him; and not just (or even primarily) because he was wealthy. In addition; though he enjoyed serving as a member of the House of Commons for 45 years; he never sought higher office.Perhaps thinking of what he had seen during his own life in politics; author William Hague (who himself retired from politics in 2015) concludes:"Wilberforce's pursuit of a broad and uplifting vision of society elevates him far above the general ranks of politicians. But the fact that he managed to live according to his own principles; and constantly reflect his beliefs in his own character; is his crowning glory. It may be easier to disdain money and to give much of it away if you inherit a large amount of it; but few people born in that position actually do so. It is easy to think of a Member of Parliament can resist temptations of seeking higher office if he has a great cause as an alternative; but it is still a rare event. Wilberforce exercised a genuine and remarkable self-discipline; and managed to do so while maintaining his optimistic and vivacious disposition.... He showed how a political career could be conducted differently; pursuing long-term objectives deeply rooted in certain principles; strengthened in his indifference to holding power by his understanding of its transitory nature. As a result; he defied the axiom that political careers necessarily end in failure; going to his grave fulfilled by the knowledge of what he had to do; while those politicians to whom power alone is important decline in their old age into bitterness and despair." (pp. 514-515)Highly recommended on many levels.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great man but disappointing writingBy DoctorTI have been intrigued by the life of Wilberforce and was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately I found the writing style to be tedious and repetitive. I lost the flow of his life in a wash of details that seemed nearly indistinguishable from other details. I am quite disappointed at what was a tiresome read.