Through the Year with William Booth

Here are daily readings with Scripture verses and prayers, offering a selection from the writings of William Booth. A great deal has been written about William Booth, but this book of daily readings introduces us to the man’s own heart and convictions. Here we find the passion, urgency, thought and humanity which drove him on. It will allow readers to travel with this visionary Victorian, whose influence is felt across the world, and to share something of his passion for the disadvantaged and those who have fallen by the wayside.

William Booth - pawnbroker's assistant, firebrand preacher, advocate of women's rights, friend of the poor, confidant of statesmen, politicians and royalty, father of eight children, champion of the marginalised, and founder and first General of The Salvation Army. General Booth's courage, oratory and passion changed Victorian Britain. He resolutely ignored his critics - including those who decried him as the Anti-Christ - and reached out to those who considered themselves well outside the concern of Almighty God. Prayer and practicality were his hallmarks: he ridiculed the idea of preaching to a beggar while that beggar was cold and hungry. William Booth worked tirelessly, campaigning, researching, negotiating, adapting music-hall songs - and writing. This book introduces us to his heart and convictions. Here we find the urgency, thought and humanity which drove him on.