In an updated version of his biography, Rowan's Rule, to be released next week, Lord Williams is asked by the author Rupert Shortt whether the church's current position needs to change . . . The biography also reveals that Lord Wililams, who is now master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, feared that his opposition to gay rights while in office could jeopardise his attempts at securing work afterwards . . . The extent of the despair Lord Williams felt in office is revealed in Rowan's Rule, including his telling a colleague after a bishops' meeting: 'I can't tell you how much I hate this job.' * The Times *
He's freer to express his opinions than when he was as the Archibishop of Canterbury. -- Jumoke Fashola * BBC Radio London *
The job of Archbishop of Canterbury - pope-like in its trappings, but without the commensurate authority to impose doctrine - is simply undoable. Which is, by and large what this thorough, readable biography demonstrates - undoable certainly by a man of Rowan Williams' gifts and character. Short, the religion editor of the TLS, and no slouch himself as a theologian, is unashamedly as fan of his subject and of Williams' efforts 'to evoke the transcendent in a secular climate' . . . Shortt gives us much to admire about Williams . . . This, though is no hagiography, and so weaknesses as well as strengths are confronted unflinchingly. Overall, it provides an intriguing picture of a complex man. * The Daily Telegraph *
It's an interesting 580-page book, especially for those with a curiosity about theology. -- Terry Sutton * The Dover Express & Folkstone Herald *
The lasting memory of Williams may be of a great public intellectual who made Christianity sound exciting and credible -- Mark Chapman * The Tablet *
In his own defence of theism, Williams appeals to the imagination as putting human life in a fresh perspective. * The Telegraph Online *
With the fully revised and updated edition Rupert Shortt should be commended for his work in writing a biography of the complex, thoughtful and deeply spiritual man that is Rowan Williams. -- John Theaker * Together Magazine *
This is a beautifully crafted, 500-page plus biography of the man who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012.. . . If the subject interests you, investment of time in this tome will serve you well. * Christianity Magazine *
[An] excellent, newly updated biography * Oxford Today *
through it shines the warmth and breadth of Rowan's personality . . . A man of very many parts who will continue to enrich us all - ad so well worth taking time to read about * Reflections *
