Salvation Army Books

Reviews by Major Mike Farrow

Title - The Girl Who Invaded America (The Odyssey Of Eliza Shirley)

Author - Ken Elliott

Publisher - Crest Books

ISBN No 13:978-0-9792266-2-5

If I had to choose a Salvation Army History/Biography of the year this book would be my undoubted choice. I first read a draft of this book seven years ago, and have been eagerly awaiting its publication ever since. This is a story more than worthy of being made into a Hollywood block buster. This is the remarkable story of Eliza Shirley a young girl from Coventry, who with her parents opened fire for The Salvation Army in the United States, almost a year before the official invasion party. It is a story of absolute faith, of overcoming insurmountable odds, and an extremely remarkable life. This book was as exciting to read the second time as it was the first. 

Title - The Salvation Army in Korea

Author - Peter Chang

Publisher - The Salvation Army, Korea Territory

ISBN No 978-89-92733-03-8 03230

This volume has been published in connection with The Salvation Army’s Centenary in Korea in 2008.
I believe an official history is also being produced, though at the time of writing I am not really sure whether this will also be published in English, it would be tragedy if it were not. Though this book is designed not to be a history, but rather an introductory insight into The Salvation Army in Korea, it does contain some very interesting historical material. I found the book extremely interesting and a pleasure to read, though the number of ‘mini biographies’ were at times a little tedious and I did wonder if they were really essential. I recommend this book if you want to know more about The Salvation Army internationally.

Title - Te Ope Whakaora (The Army That Brings Life)

Author - Harold Hill 

Publisher - Flag Publications, The Salvation Army, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory

ISBN No 978-0-473-12503-5

This truly amazing publication is a collection of documents on The Salvation Army and the Maori from 1884-2007. It also contains ‘Canoe on the River’ an account of mission work amongst the Maori from 1888-1928. This book is not for the fainthearted as I found it to be heavy going, but it is a very interesting insight of the Army’s work amongst indigenous peoples’ It is a book that can be best described as a work of reference rather than a volume to sit and read through. It is though a valuable addition to the growing corpus of books on The Salvation Army.

Title - Hadleigh – Salvation Army Farm (A Vision Reborn)

Author - Gordon Parkhill and Graham Cook

Publisher - The Salvation Army – Shield Books

ISBN No 978-0-85412-776-4

If you are hoping for a serious historical work on this part of William Booth’s Darkest England Scheme, you will be sadly disappointed. There is really very little in the way of historical detail, but the numerous photographs are very interesting. The book is as the title suggests a review and a rebirthing of the original vision for the Hadleigh Land Colony. I actually find myself at a loss as to why anyone would want to write a book on this subject when the actual amount of text amounts to nothing more than a few articles, which can be read through in a couple of hours. Apart from the historical photo’s this book has really very little to commend it.

Title - They Gave Their Lives (The Stories Of Twelve Salvationists Who Died For Their Faith)

Author - Alan Bateman 

Publisher - Salvation Books, Salvation Army International Headquarters

ISBN No 978-0-85412-789-4

This book is exactly what it says, twelve mini-biographies of Salvationist martyrs. I found this to be an amazing book for it covers stories from the beginnings of The Salvation Army until the present. It is an inspiring publication and well worth the time it takes to read it. From the story of Mrs Captain Sarah Beaty to that of Colonel Bo Brekke, this book will enthral you, amaze you and inspire you.

Title - An Army Needs An Ambulance Corps (A History of The Salvation Army’s Medical Services)

Author - Williams, Harry

Publisher - Salvation Books I.H.Q. 

ISBN No 978-0-85412-795-5

No could be better qualified to write this book than Commissioner Harry Williams. This is a fascinating read and is a straightforward account of Salvation Army Medical work around the world. There are numerous photographs, and is a real must for all those who are interested in Salvation Army History. The book is not just an historical account for it also gives an account of current medical practice as thinking in Salvation Army Medical facilities. This is a book that you should have.

Title - Insane (The Stories Of Crazy Salvos Who Changed The World)

Author - Nealson Munn and David Collinson

Publisher - The Salvation Army, Australia Southern Territory

ISBN No 978-0-9585991-6-0

This book is certainly different, as it tells some of the stories from Salvation Army History in an exciting way. In reality the title says it all. Such accounts as Maiden Tribute, and Lights in Darkest England and others are given a new and refreshing treatment. Each chapter concludes with a challenge based on the chapter’s subject. Purists may take exception to this book, but I found it a very interesting read, and hopefully this book will challenge a new generation of Salvation Army Historians.

Title - Come Join Our Army (Historical Reflections on Salvation Army Growth)

Author - R.G. Moyles 

Publisher - Crest Books

ISBN No 13:978-0-9740940-7-6

The title of this book intrigued me. It is as the subtitle suggests a series of reflections on the growth of The Salvation Army in its earliest years. Under such chapter headings as Sing and be Merry; Getting Others Saved, the book is a highly entertaining account of The Salvation Army’s impact, methods, and ideas in its earliest years. Of particular interest is the inclusion of some very early Salvation Army Songs and Choruses. I found this book very enlightening and very interesting in its presentation of Salvation Army History; and I am sure that it will serve for many years as an excellent introduction to Salvation Army History.