In this volume Timothy Larsen joins two outstanding historians, David Bebbington of England and Mark Noll of North America. Together, they’ve compiled a “who’s who” of evangelicals in the English-speaking world, though there are a few non-Englishmen, from John Wyclif to the late John Wimber. Though Larsen says that their attempt was not to do a who’s who, it does reflect such a selection. This volume is 789 pages of rich but brief biographies of men (and a few women) who have helped shape evangelicalism over the years.

The biographies of familiar figures are helpful and generally representative of the things they are known for:  John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, Charles Hodge, James Thornwell, Hermann Dooyeweerd, Cornelius Van Til, John Stott, Carl Henry, Charles Colson, Billy Graham, Francis Schaeffer, and on the list goes.

Larsen rightly states in the introduction that this volume will be of interest to scholars, ministers, ordinands, students and others interested in the history of evangelicalism. It reflects some common themes as well as the differences within the evangelical family. You will also detect both the common motifs and the diversity of beliefs as you compare those from Britain and America.

I was particularly interested in the handful of women chosen, such as: Kathryn Kuhlman, Aimee Simple McPherson, Henrietta Mears, Jill Briscoe, etc. Some wives like Catherine Marshall, Jill Briscoe, and Beverly LaHaye were joined with their husband’s bio. I was a bit puzzled by the inclusion of some like former president Jimmy Carter. Though an outspoken Christian, he has mentioned his appreciation for the more liberal theologians. However, none of the above comments are intended to distract from the value and helpfulness of this volume.

Another tidbit as you consider this book is that the editors attempted not to include anyone born after 1935. It is not surprising to find most of the biographies deal with ministers, theologians, writers, missionaries and evangelists, though some not in those categories are included for the contribution to the movement. You will also enjoy reading through this informative volume.

-Charles Dunahoo

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