Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness

Metaxas’s (Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy) newest biographical effort deftly details in brief the lives of “seven of the greatest men who ever lived”— George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, Chuck Colson— with the hope that they may serve as role models for adolescents and fathers confronting what he calls “a crisis of manhood.” The men are as diverse as they are fascinating, with his list ranging from Christian leaders to sports stars. Metaxas highlights three things in each life: the critical issues and events each man confronted; the inner strength they possessed to face adversity; and the contours of a Christian faith that framed their work. While Metaxas is forced by the need for brevity to gloss over certain biographical details and skirts thorny issues with sometimes glib commentary, the reader will learn something, as Metaxas reveals surprising or little-known facts about each man. Although Metaxas, an evangelical Christian, might have included interfaith examples, readers of different religions can appreciate these men and seek to emulate their more laudable qualities. (Apr. 30)