For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr - Hardcover

Hamilton, Duncan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1594206201 ISBN 13: 9781594206207

Publisher: Penguin Pr, 2016

Synopsis

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 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.

About this title

Review:

Praise for Duncan Hamilton's FOR THE GLORY:

"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

"Poignant...moving...[FOR THE GLORY] will appeal to fans of Chariots of Fire as well as Unbroken and similar books." --Kirkus

"In this vivid portrait of Eric Liddell, Hamilton shows us not only the power of a hero, but also the power of faith. He brings to life a man who was exemplary in his perseverance and unbending in his beliefs when facing adversity. A beautifully-written, evocative story of unflinching morality and true humanity" -- Eric Blehm, New York Times Bestselling author of Fearless and Legend

Praise for the work of Duncan Hamilton:

"Hamilton is a guarantee of quality." -- The Financial Times

"A marriage of prose and detail so fine and fastidious that it takes the breath away." -- Independent (UK)

Book Description:

The definitive biography of one of Britain's greatest ever heroes, by the two-time winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Pr
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1594206201
• ISBN 13: 9781594206207
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 388