In Spurgeon we surely have a model for ministry, and Dr Tom Nettles' new biography exceeds all previous attempts to reveal the heart, views, methods and theology of God's servants. The author has perfectly mastered his chosen style of easy and eloquent comment, with quotations and source material seamlessly woven in. The result is a compelling narrative of the preacher's life and ways, with more information than any other biography.

Constituting nearly 700 pages of enjoyment and counsel from the life of an exceptional ambassador of grace, an adequate review would take many pages. In summary, we may say this is a most successful biography, warmly welcomed and strongly recommended.