John Wesley - by Ralph Waller (Paperback)

About the Book

May 2003 is the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley. This is a beautifully written biography intended for a general audience. While not at all hagiographical, the book leads one to admire Wesley immensely. He traveled throughout the British Isles more than anyone in history. Reviled early on during his plein air evangelical crusades, he became deeply loved in old age by all sectors of the population. While the book has a slightly British cast to it (which is unavoidable given the extent of Wesley's travels throughout Britain), it gives adequate coverage to his period in the American colonies.

Book Synopsis

An examination of some of the canonical works of modern literature in English and German with regard to masculinity, relations between men, national identity and patriarchy. These were major preoccupations of male writers as they came to terms with or reacted against the decline of patriarchal authority. The book identifies five leitmotifs which serve to characterize the period between 1880 and 1930: the "double", the "other" (narcissus and Salome), the nationalization of Narcissus, Kampf or male bondage, and after patriarchy. Again and again one sees how men attempted to define themselves against what they imagined as "femininity", not merely outside but also within their selves, and further how men sought to overcome or find a socially acceptable expression for their narcissistic, homosexual and even sadomasochist libido.

Review Quotes

"As we celebrate the life and ministry of John Wesley, the founder of the great Wesleyan-Methodist movement, Ralph Waller, as theologian, scholar, and pastor has captured the faith, theology, and spirit of this man of God. This is 'must reading' for all who seek to find both the historical truths and passion and their formation in Wesley's faithful and extremely effective life, which transformed England and now the world." Robert E. Fannin, Bishop, United
Methodist Church, North Alabama Conference


"A brief but readable biography, this book has a place in any library where the Methodist movement is studied." -Christian Librarian

"The writing is friendly and filled with interesting tidbits about Wesley that reveal a real person. Recommended." -Church Libraries

About the Author

Ralph Waller is a noted British Methodist scholar who won the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion (1993).