John Newton is one of the most important and influential men of the 18th century. His famous conversion during a storm at sea led to his new role as a social reformer and key figure in the abolition of slavery. In this book, Jonathan Aitken discovers the man, his motivation and beliefs.

'Master biographer Jonathan Aitken is in fine form, sympathetic, insightful, scholarly and vivid, and his book, like its subject, must be rated unobtrusively spectacular.' J. I. Packer '...meticulously researched...[Aiken] writes beautifully and accessibly.' Christianity 'This is a book to inform your mind, warm your heart and inspire your Christian walk. I cannot recommend it more highly.' Evangelical Times From Newton's rip-roaring adventures on the high seas to his emergence as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist and evangelical movements, this is a life of amazing achievement as well as of Amazing Grace. John Newton is best known as the author of the hymn Amazing Grace but this brilliant new biography shows how he led one of the most colourful and influential lives of the 18th century. Using a wealth of unpublished material, Jonathan Aitken charts Newton's journey through slave-trading, best-selling authorship, ordination, church leadership, abolitionist campaigning and the spiritual mentoring of William Wilberforce and William Cowper.

"Using diaries and correspondence, this biography crosses the boundaries of history and religion, and should appeal to a wide audience." - The Bookseller

"Skilled and colorful biographer that he is, my friend Jonathan Aitken has brought to life one of eighteenth-century England's most influential Christians." - Charles Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship

"...meticulously researched...[Aiken] writes beautifully and accessibly." - Christianity

"Here is a useful account of a great figure of the Evangelical Revival." - Times Literary Supplement

"Well before the end, I was conscious that I was reading another classic ... Aitken writes with real passion for his subject ... This is a book to inform your mind, warm your heart and inspire your Christian walk. I cannot recommend it more highly." - Evangelical Times

"A thorough study, superbly written, and an excellent read." - Keswick Convention Handbook

"A brilliantly written biography ... Like all good biographers, Jonathan Aitken leaves us with the imprint of the subject firmly in our minds rather than the image of the author, but the engaging style of his narrative displays a personal commitment not only to the subject but also to his reason for living." - Paul Woolley, The Difference

"Mr Aitken's biography... provides a rare spiritual treat and leads us to praise God for His mercy in the reality and wonder of salvation." - Gordan Murray - Protestant Truth

"Jonathan Aitken as always writes with elegance, clarity, and sympathy in describing an extraordinary eighteeneth-century life." - Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Paul's Theological Centre, Holy Trinity Brompton, London

"This is an 'amazing' book which tells the story of an 'amazing' Christian life...This is a book to inspire and challenge us as to the true nature of Amazing Grace." - Christianity