Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham

by Billy Graham

Overview

Hailed as "the world's preacher," Billy Graham has enjoyed a career that has spanned six decades and his ministry of faith has touched the hearts and souls of millions.

In Just As I Am Graham reveals his life story in what the Chicago Tribune calls "a disarmingly honest autobiography." Now, in this revised and updated edition, we hear from this "lion in winter" (Time) on his role over the past ten years as America's pastor during our national crisis of the Oklahoma bombing and 9/11; his knighthood; his passing of the torch to his son, Franklin, to head the organization that bears his name; and his commitment to do the Lord's work in the years of his and his wife Ruth's physical decline.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061171062
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	07/24/2007
Edition description:	Tenth Anniversary Edition
Pages:	832
Sales rank:	121,284
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association takes the message of God's love to the world through crusades, conferences, television, radio, film, publishing, the Internet, and other international ministries. For more information write: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201.

Read an Excerpt

During his shockingly short term, President Kennedy endeared himself to me in several ways. One day in Washington in 1962 the President invited Grady Wilson and me into his office. We informed him of our upcoming five-week crusade in Latin America. 'I'm going down there before that,' Kennedy said. 'I'll be your John the Baptist.' 'Don't forget,' Grady said, 'that he lost his head.' That did not dissuade the President, who laughed and repeated his offer. 'What can I do for you?' We told him we were having problems getting into Colombia, where some leaders warned of religious riots if we held large meetings. Our missionary friends there were praying that God would reopen the door. The President turned to an adviser and told him simply, 'Take care of that.' We got into Colombia, and attendance at our meetings was as high as twenty thousand, without incident. The Catholic President of the United States had made a good John the Baptist.

Editorial Reviews

''Just as I Am,'' is a curious combination of laborious official testament -- like some Soviet politician's memoirs -- and occasionally gripping personal story. It's clearly a collaborative effort, but it maintains, miraculously, the same solid, distant baritone that still mesmerizes football stadiums. For those seeking theological nuance, to be sure, this is not the place to look....You will learn a lot about monarchs and despots and Presidents in this book, but oddly little about the lesser souls who interacted with Graham all his life....Although the high political anecdotes keep one amused throughout this tome, and the story of Graham's life itself is so remarkable, this underlying regret propels the book with a sadness that is strangely haunting. -- New York Times

Andrew Sullivan

The story of Graham's life itself is so remarkable.

New York Times

...[What is] most striking about the autobiography is not the oft-told tales of public events, but the glimpses into the private life of the man who has consistently over the last four decades made the list of America's ten most admired men.

Chicago Tribune

Events in a single year in the life of Billy would make ample biographical material for a lesser mortal's entire life...This is no doubt the most authentic history of its subject we shall ever get.

Christianity Today

Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 7, 1918, and founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950. In this account, Graham looks back at his life with the down-to-earth warmth and candor that have always characterized his ministry. He remembers his early dairy farm days in Charlotte, his early preaching experiences, and his friendships with numerous presidents and international leaders. With a career spanning 50 years, Graham has been an influential advocate for desegregation and other social issues. His integrity and humility have made him one of the world's most respected leaders. The audio is read by Cliff Barrows, a longtime friend of Graham's. This will be a treasured addition to any library collection. Public libraries should order several copies, as this will certainly be in demand. Highly recommended.Ravonne A. Green, Emmanuel Coll. Lib., Franklin Springs, Ga.

Library Journal