From the masterful pen of Iain Murray, this is probably the most incisive, brief historical and theological volume about the great 19th century Baptist, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. In particular focusing on Spurgeon’s uncompromising stance in three major controversies of his times, realms of doctrine still vital for us to learn how to stand for today.

This book seeks to throw light on the reasons which have given rise to the superficial image of Spurgeon as a genial Victorian pulpiteer, a kind of grandfather of modern evangelicalism. Even before his death in 1892 newspapers and church leaders disputed over the features of his life which entitled him to fame. Not his “narrow creed”, but his “genuine loving character” is what is most worthy of remembrance, said one periodical, echoing the public’s general view.

Still, distortions about Spurgeon continued, and he forecast himself how the positions he held might fare in the 20th century: “I am quite willing to be eaten by dogs for the next fifty years, but the more distant future shall vindicate me.”