Book Review - "A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards"

George Marsden did an excellent biography of Jonathan Edwards a number of years ago. It was well researched, written and received but it was also very large. Totally engaging throughout and highly detailed, it was not a casual-read-at-the-beach type of book

I ran into one of Edwards' direct descendants at a conference two years ago. He spoke very highly of Marsden's book, noting that Marsden worked closely with the family in his research. He gave the book their endorsement as one of the most accurate biographies done of this pivotal figure in the Great Awakening.

While Marsden's original book "Jonathan Edwards: A Life" is entertaining and informative, at 640 pages, it can be intimidating to the reader who may be merely curious about Edwards. In an effort to provide something more accessible to Edwards less rabid fans, Marsden has penned "A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards" keeping it to 160 pages.

Much to his credit, Marsden has not merely produce an abridged version of the first book. He has included a lot of material that did not appear "...A Life". In doing so, he has effectively augmented and enhanced the detailed story of Edward's life told in the original offering.

Marsden parallels the early developmental years of both Edwards and Thomas Jefferson through the dawn of the Great Awakening, the concurrent Age of Enlightenment and the period just prior to the Revolutionary War.

Throughout the book, Marsden demonstrates the integrity and influence of both men on their culture as they mature and gain influence. His detailed but brief survey of Edwards rise to prominence and his fall from a fickle public's grace is riveting and revealing, poignantly demonstrating not only Edwards' amazing faith and commitment to His Lord but his love for his wife and family as well. For well balanced objectivity, Marsden discusses Edward's human weaknesses and frailties as well.

A great read and a must for anyone remotely curious about one of America's greatest theologians.