JOSHRHONE [DOT] COM

Author Stephen Mansfield has ventured to provide his readers with a ‘biography of the beer that changed the world’. Given the option to read and review a book with such an intriguing title, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

The title while intriguing, however, was misleading. Whereas the title and dust jacket promise a biography of Arthur Guinness, the brewing company which bears his name, and an exploration of the Christian faith in action- Mansfield falls woefully short of actually pulling it off.

Mansfield was successful with regards to providing his readers with a history of the Guinness family and the company that bears his name. The historical narrative, while disjointed at times, is relatively easy-to-read and capably summarizes a rather lengthy history rather succinctly.

Yet, while Guinness may have been found, Mansfield leaves his readers still searching for God. Apart from references to benevolent work, Guinness’ involvement in the formation of the Sunday School movement in Ireland, and the long line of preachers that are to be found in the Guinness genealogy- a convincing argument regarding a vibrant faith and its impact on one’s life is largely absent from the pages of the book.

If you are looking for an introductory text regarding the Guinness family and its brewing legacy this may be a great place to start, but if you are looking for a book that will move you to greater depths in your faith or will inspire you to serve God- this book isn’t it.

If you’d like to order a copy and give it a go, feel free to click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”