For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr
by Duncan Hamilton
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“Hamilton is a guarantee of quality.” —Financial Times“Duncan Hamilton’s compelling biography puts flesh on the legend and paints a vivid picture of not only a great athlete, but also a very special human being.” —Daily Mail
The untold and inspiring story of Eric Liddell, hero of Chariots of Fire, from his Olympic medal to his missionary work in China to his last, brave years in a Japanese work camp during WWII
Many people will remember Eric Liddell as the Olympic gold show more medalist from the Academy Award winning film Chariots of Fire. Famously, Liddell would not run on Sunday because of his strict observance of the Christian sabbath, and so he did not compete in his signature event, the 100 meters, at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was the greatest sprinter in the world at the time, and his choice not to run was ridiculed by the British Olympic committee, his fellow athletes, and most of the world press. Yet Liddell triumphed in a new event, winning the 400 meters in Paris.
Liddell ran—and lived—for the glory of his God. After winning gold, he dedicated himself to missionary work. He travelled to China to work in a local school and as a missionary. He married and had children there. By the time he could see war on the horizon, Liddell put Florence, his pregnant wife, and children on a boat to Canada, while he stayed behind, his conscience compelling him to stay among the Chinese. He and thousands of other westerners were eventually interned at a Japanese work camp.
Once imprisoned, Liddell did what he was born to do, practice his faith and his sport. He became the moral center of an unbearable world. He was the hardest worker in the camp, he counseled many of the other prisoners, he gave up his own meager portion of meals many days, and he organized games for the children there. He even raced again. For his ailing, malnourished body, it was all too much. Liddell died of a brain tumor just before the end of the war. His passing was mourned around the world, and his story still inspires.
In the spirit of The Boys in the Boat and Unbroken, For the Glory is both a compelling narrative of athletic heroism and a gripping story of faith in the darkest circumstances. show less
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Member Reviews
Duncan Hamilton presents a master narrative of the life of Eric Liddell. The "reverend in running shoes" is an inspiration to Christians all around the world for his tireless effort to see China evangelized. He was a true example of character, virtue, and endurance in suffering throughout his life. Much like Liddell on the track, this biography never tires, bores, or slackens its pace while brilliantly bringing to life the heart of the man, Eric Liddell.
Well written and researched biography of Eric Liddell, hero of the movie, "Chariots of Fire". Focused more on his life outside of the Olympics, including moving accounts of his ministry inside a Japanese war camp in China.
An inspiring account of Eric Liddell who won the 400 meters at the Paris Olympics in 1924.
This is about his Christian faith that got him through many trials from his missionary work in China to the harrowing time he spent in a Japanese work camp, he was a hero for all time.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Penguin Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
This is about his Christian faith that got him through many trials from his missionary work in China to the harrowing time he spent in a Japanese work camp, he was a hero for all time.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Penguin Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
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254 works; 2 members
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18 Works 758 Members
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr
- Original publication date
- 2016
- People/Characters
- Eric Liddell
- Important places
- Paris, France; Weifang, China
- Important events
- 1924 Summer Olympics; World War II
- First words
- He is crouching on the start line, which has been scratched out with a stick across the parched earth.
- Original language
- English
Classifications
- Genres
- Sports and Leisure, Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, General Nonfiction, History
- DDC/MDS
- 796.42092 — Arts & recreation Recreation, sports, and performing arts Athletic and outdoor sports and games Olympic sports Track events, running; General track and field
- LCC
- GV1061.15 .L53 .H36 — Geography, Anthropology and Recreation Recreation. Leisure Recreation. Leisure Sports Track and field athletics
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 280
- Popularity
- 115,184
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (4.54)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 15
- ASINs
- 5
