The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel records the story of three important leaders in Israel's history: Samuel, Saul, and David. The lives of these flawed men showcase God's gracious response to ancient Israel's leadership crisis, offering valuable lessons related to why leaders fail, the impact this failure can have on God's people, and what it means to model godly leadership—even today. In this accessible commentary, John Woodhouse shows how 1 Samuel reveals the importance of true leadership and the character of the godly leader. More significantly, this volume points forward to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises to his people and the only perfect leader the world has ever known. Those who preach and teach God's Word will find this an invaluable resource as they seek to help others embrace 1 Samuel's timely message. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

In the days when religion played a much more important role than the Christian church does today, there was competition between various denominations. Joseph Smith, living in America in New York State, reported having a revelation from God as he prayed for guidance. He started the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon church. In a quiet village in Yorkshire England, John Woodhouse was also seeking guidance on which church to join. He was told of the Mormon faith, enquired further and decided that it was right for him. He quickly converted his family and they set out on a journey around the world. This story follows him to Utah, on a sailing boat, on wagon trains, fighting Indians, buiding houses, building a business, building a family then leaving it to return as a missionary to England. John saw hardships we can hardly appreciate, struggled for an existence, had great successes and some disappointments. We should remember with pride the human spirit driving such people, he was only one of many with similar stories. Reading this you will share the joy of the achievements and the sorrow of some deaths, including John's unfortunate end. Hopefully it will paint a picture and help to promote the memory of a period of history which is significant in the development of our present civilisation.

The book of 1 Kings outlines the rise and fall of ancient Israel through the stories of fourteen kings. It is a book of great victories and devastating failures. In its pages are violence, betrayal, power, and politics. But no matter how great the accomplishments or evil the deeds, none of these kingdoms built by human kings could last. John Woodhouse walks us through this book passage by passage as it reveals how God's purpose for the kings reaches far beyond what they could accomplish in their lifetimes. Their lives are part of a greater story, bearing witness about the King of kings, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world—building and strengthening our faith as we set our eyes on the kingdom that will last forever.

Novelist, playwright, and poet Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) shocked and dazzled early twentieth-century Europe with his sexual exploits, military feats, and political escapades. More than any other figure since the unification of Italy, he casts a shadow forward to the present day. His relationships with the worlds of Italian culture, theatre, and politics were unique, fiery, and always controversial. His literary achievements have influenced generations of Italian writers. This is the most authoritative biography of the man in any language.

King David stands as one of the most important figures of world history. From children's storybooks to Michelangelo's famous statue, ancient Israel's most famous king is still remembered and recognized by people around the world three thousand years after he lived. Helping readers deepen their understanding of David's tumultuous reign, John Woodhouse highlights David's important role in salvation history—a history that began with Israel but now encompasses God's plan for the whole world. Designed as a trustworthy resource for pastors who preach and teach on a regular basis, this commentary ultimately argues that David's story is important because it lays the crucial foundation for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, "the son of David." Part of the Preaching the Word series.

"Critical interest in biography and autobiography has never been higher. However, while life-writing flourishes in the UK, in Italy it is a less prominent genre. The twelve essays collected here are written against this backdrop, and address issues in biographical and autobiographical writing in Italy from the later nineteenth century to the present, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between individual lives and life-writing and the wider social and political history of Italy. The majority of essays focus on well-known writers (D'Annunzio, Svevo, Bontempelli, Montale, Levi, Calvino, Eco and Fallaci), and their varying anxieties about autobiographical writing in their work. This picture is rounded out by a series of studies of similar themes in lesser known figures: the critic Enrico Nencioni, the Welsh-Italian painter Llewellyn Lloyd and Italian writers and journalists covering the Spanish Civil War. The contributors, all specialists in their fields, are Antonella Braida, Charles Burdett, Jane Everson, John Gatt Rutter, Robert Gordon, Gwyn Griffith, Peter Hainsworth, Martin McLaughlin, Gianni Oliva, Giuliana Pieri, and Jon Usher. The volume is dedicated to John Woodhouse, on his seventieth birthday, and concludes with a bibliography of his writings."