Amazing Grace

William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

By: Eric Metaxas

Narrated by: John Behrens

This biography of England’s heroic abolitionist commemorates the 200th anniversary of the ending of slavery in the United Kingdom

William Wilberforce (1759–1833) has been hailed as a one of society’s great reformers. His great goal was the abolition of the slave trade and of slavery in England, and in Amazing Grace, the true story of his remarkable life and meaningful accomplishments leap off the page. Beginning with Wilberforce’s religious conversion in 1784 that led him to life of activism, the book chronicles his extraordinary contributions to the world, primarily his 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle he won in 1807. He was also instrumental in passing legislation to abolish slavery in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833.

Wilberforce was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America, and the account of his life in Amazing Grace will help many more become reacquainted with this exceptional man.

Do yourself a favor, and listen to this book.

As a matter of practicality, I will endeavor to be brief in my review of this title. I was recommended this title with high praise for the character of William Wilberforce. Resolving to read it, I had not brought with me many expectations for the quality of the biography or the unknown importance of the life led by Wilberforce. So it was to my surprise that I was immediately drawn into the forgotten story of a man born into a time when the gears of history were moving quickly, who, with strong moral convictions, stepped up for what he knew to be right. In doing so, he began and completed the effective work of ending the slave trade and the eventual emancipation of countless men, women, and children. This biography is beautifully written and frequently includes the very words of Wilberforce himself or his contemporaries. Along with incredible prose, you are brought into the story in a unique way and gain an insightful perspective on the price of standing against societal pressures, weathering political setbacks, and brushing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. All of this read clearly and animatedly. There is nothing that comes to mind negative about this title.