Publisher's Synopsis
He was an accomplished organist and interpreter of Bach, a crusader for world peace, and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. He made his philosophy of "reverence for life" an ethic for the world. The hospital he founded in Lambarene (still in operation in present-day Gabon) is a model of what Europeans might have given to Africans throughout colonial history. But above all, Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a talented and compassionate human being. This biography probes beyond the timeworn image of Schweitzer as "the old man in the pith helmet" to reveal the philosopher, scholar, husband, father, humanitarian, and liberal rebel in a conservative church. "An absorbing, deep-reaching, enormously rewarding study. It reads like a novel, but has the sobriety and savor of first-rank scholarship. No student of Schweitzer can be without it; and I would strongly recommend it for the general reader interested in penetrating to the heart and thought of this remarkable genius."--Norman Cousins "A detailed and satisfying portrait of a many-faceted genius. Schweitzer achieved a doctorate in both theology and philosophy while music appeared to be his natural gift and Bach his inspiration.;The African days are completely examined and readers are always conscious of Schweitzer's humor and stubbornness ...Well-researched, this biography comes with notes, chapter references, bibliographies by and about Schweitzer, a chronology, and a very detailed index. But the scholarship is never overwhelming, and the book remains enjoyable reading to the final page."--Library Journal "The book cannot be read without gaining an appreciation of the energy, will, and artistry of an incredible man, who said of himself, 'I am only a person living his religion.'"--Detroit News
