Spurgeon: A Life

In this biography Alex DiPrima paints a fresh portrait of Charles Haddon Spurgeon—the most well-known minister of the gospel in the nineteenth century. As DiPrima traces Spurgeon’s life from the famous “boy preacher of the fens” to the mature pastor of later years, readers will marvel at his extraordinary speaking abilities, his genius for administration, and his massive global influence, which set him apart as a leader of rare brilliance. Yet by presenting Spurgeon in his social, historical, and religious contexts, DiPrima helps us comprehend the whole of Spurgeon’s ministry in metropolitan London. Combining academic expertise with popular presentation, this short biography of the famed Prince of Preachers will be the go-to introduction on Spurgeon for years to come. 

312 pages

“We cannot read enough about the far-reaching influence of the life and ministry of certain men in church history. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was one of those great luminaries. This pulpit giant lived the life of ten, twenty, or even thirty men. Here is yet another biography that I believe you will find both instructional and inspiring.” 

—Steven J. Lawson, president, OnePassion Ministries 

“Charles Spurgeon lived such a massive life that single-volume biographies represent an incredible challenge. Yet Charles Spurgeon’s life, beliefs, and ministry—propelled by the power of his remarkable preaching—represent a story that must be told. In this book Alex DiPrima has produced what many others have failed to deliver: a one-volume biography of Spurgeon that tells the story with power, insight, and due recognition of his historical significance. This is a biography written for Christians about one of the titanic Christian influences of the modern age. It deserves a wide readership.” 

—R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Essex Lad
2. “Look and Live”
3. A Preacher Is Born
4. The Call to London
5. Opposition and Criticism
6. Love and Marriage
7. The Metropolitan Tabernacle
8. The Prince of Preachers
9. The Pastors’ College
10. Wielding the Sword
11. Finding Strength amid Weakness
12. In Labors More Abundant
13. The Downgrade Controversy
14. Final Days
Timeline
Bibliography