Previously, I have reviewed other books of this series including Life of Washington and Life of Luther. These books are all published in a way that makes them look old. They are hardback books that have a leather look to them. The page edges are not smooth – instead, they look they they are torn and uneven. This helps with the older book feel. Since I’ve been impressed with the books thus far, I looked forward to reviewing Life of Andrew Jackson and Life of John Knox.
Life of John Knox
Book Description:
In this fine reproduction of the 1833 original published by ASSU (American Sunday School Union or American Missionary Fellowship), discover rare vignettes featuring the Protestant Reformation’s fiercest defender, John Knox.
Book Details:
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group/Attic Books; Reprint edition (February 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780890516027
ISBN-13: 978-0890516027
ASIN: 0890516022
Retail Price: $14.99 U.S.
About the Author:
The ASSU, now called American Missionary Fellowship (AMF), has been associated with some of America’s most prominent citizens and religious leaders.
ASSU missionaries carried books published by the mission in saddlebags to leave with the fledgling Sunday schools they had started, promoting literacy, education, and the very best in Christian moral values. Though it stopped publishing books in 1968, American Missionary Fellowship continues its missionary work in the United States, extending beyond Sunday School work to include church planting, church camps, and numerous other programs.
My Thoughts:
As I stated above, I really do like this series of classic books that attic-books are reproducing. This book did not disappoint. One of the unique features of this book is the table of contents. Unlike books of today, the table of contents lists the chapter and then gives a brief summary of the chapter. By reading the table of contents, you are getting an overview of the book. If you’re looking for a specific aspect of John Knox’s life, you can easily find it in the table of contents.
The introduction gives some background information into the religious condition of Scotland which allows readers to better understand the religious climate of Scotland during the time of John Knox.
The book itself follows John Knox’s life from beginning to end. It concludes with one of the inscriptions that is on the monument which was erected in memory of the life of John Knox. Part of the inscription reads, “He died, rejoicing in the faith of the gospel….” Wow! What an wonderful testimony.
Life of Andrew Jackson
Book Description:
From wilderness pioneer to the perils of the oval office, the world of Andrew Jackson comes to vivid life in this scanned reproduction of the 1850 original.
Book Details:
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group/Attic Books; Reprint edition (February 16, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0890516030
ISBN-13: 978-0890516034
Retail Price: $19.99
About the Author:
John S. Jenkins is an American author who was born in Albany, New York in 1818 and died in 1852. He published numerous books, including historical works and biographies of military and political leaders that include a Life of Jackson in 1847.
My Thoughts:
This book is slightly different than the other books that I’ve reviews so far in this series as it was written by a different author. The table of contents for this book, once again, includes summaries of the chapters which allows readers to get a brief overview of the book prior to reading or find specific times in the life of Andrew Jackson.
The print in this book is a bit smaller, so some readers will find it more difficult to read. I prefer a larger print when reading, so this is a slight negative for me. A few black and white pictures are included throughout the book.
Some of the interesting things included in this book are the Eulogy of the Life and Character of General Jackson given by George Bancroft, the Maysville Road Veto, the Veto of the Bank Bill, the Proclamation of the Nullification Question, extracts from the President’s protest again the action of the United States Senate, the Sixth Annual Message, a message in relation to Texas (to the Senate), Jackson’s Farewell Address, Jackson’s Last Will and Testament, and finally, Bethune’s Discourse.
I liked this concluding quote in Bethune’s Discourse:
We cannot be faithful to others, while we remain unfaithful to God and our own souls. May the voice of Providence, confirming the testimony of the Scriptures, prevail with us all to prepare for eternity…
Overall this is a great book. I just wish that the typeset had been a bit larger to make for easier reading.
I received a copy of these books from New Leaf Publishing/MasterBooks to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. No compensation was received. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own.
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