Amazing Grace: The Inspirational Stories of William Wilberforce, John Newton, and Olaudah Equiano (Radio Theatre)
These superb biographical audio dramas profile men of the British Enlightenment whose spiritual odysseys brought them to God and the fight against the slave trade. John Newton (1725-1807), a reformed slaver turned crusading clergyman, wrote the inspiring hymn "Amazing Grace." Olaudah Equiano (c. 1750-1797), an African slave, bought his own freedom and became an important writer and orator promoting manumission. Evangelist William Wilberforce (1780-1825) led the agitation in Parliament that resulted, a month after his death, in abolition. The fine performances and meticulous production well support the gracefully written scripts. While their characters lack dimension, the writers admirably clarify complex ideas, especially the concept of divine grace, and forcefully drive home the intense emotional journeys of the protagonists.  Y.R.  Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine--Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine