The Life of Wesley: And the Rise and Progress of Methodism

The Life of Wesley was a groundbreaking biography of John Wesley that explored the rise of sectarianism and religious cults in 18th-century England. This two-volume edition, published in 1820, will include a comprehensive critical apparatus and a critical and contextual introduction to explore the text's origins, composition, publication history, and its influence on other biographies and accounts of Methodism.

Format: Other book format
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Life of Wesley was a groundbreaking and highly influential work that played a pivotal role in shaping the understanding of John Wesley, the prominent figure at the forefront of the largest religious movement of the eighteenth century. This remarkable biography, written by Southey, marked the first time that the story of Wesley's life was published beyond the confines of the Methodist community. Moreover, it served as a comprehensive historical account of the emergence of sectarianism and religious cults, which Southey and many others regarded as significant markers of contemporary history.

To fully capture the essence of this extraordinary work, this two-volume edition will present the complete text of the 1820 edition. Accompanied by a comprehensive critical apparatus, it will provide valuable insights into the major themes and issues raised by the text, shedding light on its contribution to the study of Southey and Romanticism. The edition will feature a critical and contextual introduction that will trace the origins and composition of the Life, explore its publication history, and offer a thoughtful analysis of the interplay between it and other biographies of Wesley, as well as accounts of Methodism. It will also examine the book's reception history, incorporating material from reviews of the period and documenting the controversy it sparked within the Methodist community.

In essence, this edition aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible platform for scholars and enthusiasts alike to delve into the life and legacy of John Wesley, exploring the profound impact of Southey's work on the understanding of religion, society, and the human condition in the eighteenth century.

ISBN-13: 9780367023096