White Devil: The Life and Legend of Hudson Taylor

Hudson Taylor is one of the most inspirational figures in the history of world missions. Forsaking the comforts of Europe and the opportunity to gain wealth and prominence, Taylor instead sensed a divine burden to bring the message of God's grace to the highly populated empire of China. He left for China in 1853 on the first of many missionary journeys to Asia and became the founder of China Inland Mission. From the beginning, his life was one of hardship and deprivation. His wife, the love of his life, died. Several children died. He faced persecution, misunderstanding, difficulty, poor health, and constant social and political unrest in various provinces of China. At one point a Chinese empress ordered the death of all foreigners. Taylor's mission lost many to execution as a result of this decree. Yet Taylor persisted. During one particular phase he prayed and worked to see 1,000 Western missionaries enter China during five years--the actual total was 1,153 by the time the five years had passed. Opponents who feared Taylor's Christian message dubbed him the "White Devil." Here, the graphic novel format is used to tell the life story of Hudson Taylor, drawing upon the biography written by Taylor's descendants. The authors were careful to preserve the text and events of that biography as they adapted the story to this format, adding well-drawn pictures and compelling graphics. Fans of graphic novels will greatly enjoy this volume. Those who are already familiar with the basics of Hudson Taylor's story will find new details emerging, and known events coming to life by virtue of the excellent artwork. Armchair Interviews says: Great reading for all ages.