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.

Contents: Susanna and Samuel -- Epworth and the rectory -- Charterhouse andChrist Church -- Lincoln College and a fellow's life -- Georgia -- Failureand conversion -- Growth and development -- The Moravians and stillness --Wesley, Whitefield and predestination -- Preaching and the preacher --Opposition and riots -- The travelling preacher -- Theological andMatrimonial Strife -- Social concern -- Farewell.