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“There’s nothing like a well-written, thoroughly researched biography of a godly saint to stir one’s heart, stretch faith, and expand kingdom vision. This fascinating and gripping book makes the life of John Newton come alive for the contemporary reader. There’s no hedging on Newton’s depravity, nor his utterly passionate devotion to his precious Savior. I highly recommend this excellent work—it’s one that will transform not only minds but hearts!”

—JONI EARECKSON TADA, JAF International Disability Center; renowned author

“Skilled and colorful biographer that he is, my friend Jonathan Aitken has brought to life one of eighteenth-century England’s most influential Christians. This is the riveting story of John Newton’s transformed life through Christ. It is the story of amazing grace both in the life of Newton and in the song that has become the Christian national anthem. This is a powerful read about one of the most powerful figures in Christian history.”

—CHUCK COLSON, founder, Prison Fellowship

“A new life of John Newton is a fitting celebration of the bicentennial both of Newton’s death and of the abolition of the slave trade, Wilberforce’s triumph in which Newton played a key role. Master biographer Jonathan Aitken is in fine form, sympathetic, insightful, scholarly and vivid, and his book, like its subject, must be rated unobtrusively spectacular.”

—J. I. PACKER, Professor of Theology, Regent College; author of Knowing God

“A rip-roaring adventure, a passionate romance, and an astonishing journey of faith all in one. But as if that were not enough, Aitken’s superb new biography is also chock-full of extraordinary insights into friendship, prayer, networking, spiritual growth, providence, and above all ‘amazing grace’ and a life of gratitude. I knew the story well, but this telling made a deep impression on me.”

—OS GUINNESS, author of The Call

“A fresh, insightful, and inspiring account of this great yet neglected figure. With that rare skill of a superb biographer, Aitken brings Newton to life for a new generation of admirers.”

—ALISTER MCGRATH, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

“John Newton not only wrote one of the greatest hymns of all time—he lived one of the greatest stories of salvation. A wonderful book.”

—RODNEY STARK, author of The Rise of Christianity

“This moving account of John Newton’s life reveals something of the depths, the complexities, and the passions of this unique figure. Jonathan Aitken’s writing is both elegant and meticulous. Using unpublished documents, he conducts us in the discovery of this extraordinary personage, so neglected in our time. Today we are hardly done with slavery. If we could follow Newton’s example, we would be well equipped ...