Shining new light on one of Britain's most celebrated figures, this new biography insightfully explores the beliefs underlying Shaftesbury's passion for the poor Drawing extensively from Lord Shaftesbury's private journals, this accessible biography shows not just the story of his life--from his happy marriage and many children to his acts of Parliament--but also how his faith led and equipped him to fight for justice in society. Lord Shaftesbury was one of the best loved politicians and social reformers of nineteenth century England. His deep compassion for the poor was legendary, as were his tireless campaigns to limit factory hours, stop the use of boys as chimney sweeps and children in coalmines, and to develop universal education. As a result he changed the character of English society forever. Revealing a moving portrait of a sensitive thinker, areas covered in this important biography include his upbringing and education; his work as a politician and his campaign for mental health; his contribution towards the founding of the Bible Society; his role as a defender of the Protestant faith; his personal theology; and much more.

At a time when Anglican and Evangelical seem to be increasingly polarised rather than part of the same tradition, an Evangelical Anglican takes a fresh look at the historical and contemporary expressions of each to assess their distinctive standpoints, to show how much common ground they share and to examine what this means for the church today. Practitioners who consider themselves on one or the other side of the debate, as well as those who would ally themselves with both traditions, will welcome this new appraisal with its insight into meeting points and mutual goals. This is a vital contribution for all who are concerned to arrest the perception, whatever the reality, of the Anglican church's inexorable decline.