William Wilberforce

'William Wilberforce -- who probably did as much for humanity as any man has ever done -- deserves the best, and he has got it. Kevin Belmonte has done a superb job, meticulously researched and beautifully written.' -- John Julius 'That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.' -- Dr. Os Guinness 'There have been other distinguished biographies of William Wilberforce, rich in historical scholarship and awesome facts. What Kevin Belmonte provides in his study of Wilberforce is the humanity of the man, the total self-sacrifice undertaken for the love of his fellow sisters and brothers whose fate he reckoned emanated from the greed and inhumanity of mankind. The elegance and simplicity of his writing, and the wealth of source material researched and sifted with such evident love of his subject, make this a compelling book -- a must for all associating themselves with the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.' -- Lady Davson 'Having been brought up with the weight of this saintly ancestor, Kevin Belmonte has, for the first time for me, brought home the humanity of William Wilberforce -- his capacity to amuse, charm, converse on any subject, sing, break off deep conversations to run in the garden with his children; his extensive reading and correspondence, and the wide range of causes he supported both with his time and his resources. Here is a portrait of a man driven by his Christain beliefs, not only to wage war on slavery, but also to improve the moral life of Britain; not in a judgmental or sanctimonious manner but with true compassion for his fellow beings and in a humble and self-doubting way.' -- Hon Samuel Wilberforce 'An excellently researched and insightfully written biography...I applaud its sound scholarship and commend its perceptive insights into a great life.' -- Brian Sibley, Author 'Since Wilberforce is arguably not merely one of the greatest Christian philanthropists in the history of the church but one of the greatest philanthropists in all history, it would be understandable for a Christian biographer to lapse into hagiography. Kevin Belmonte, however, provides just the right combination of praise and analysis. He carefully catalogues his subject's extraordinary range of achievements while sensitively introducing us to the attractive, though at times idiosyncratic, humanity of so great a 'hero." -- Ranald Macaulay, Author

Here is the true story of how British statesman and reformer William Wilberforce overcame great obstacles to help end the slave trade in England two centuries ago. The movie Amazing Grace brings this story to life, and this book is the inspiring, definitive biography of Wilberforce, written by the lead historical consultant for the film.

Dramatized in the major motion picture Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce is the remarkable account of how one man’s vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice brought freedom to thousands and changed the course of history. “That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.” —Dr. Os Guinness, author of Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil “An excellently researched and insightfully written biography … I applaud its sound scholarship and commend its perceptive insights into a great life.” —Brian Sibley, author of C. S. Lewis: Through the Shadowlands William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity is the definitive biography of the English statesman who overcame incredible odds to bring about the end of slavery and slave trade. Called "the wittiest man in England" by philosopher and novelist Madame de Stael, praised by Abraham Lincoln, and renowned for his oratorical genius, Wilberforce worked tirelessly to accomplish his goal. Whether you are an avid student of history, a pupil of prominent leaders of the past, or simply someone who reads for pleasure, you will love award-winning biographer Kevin Belmonte’s vivid account of the life of William Wilberforce.