Faith Cook is one of the most prolific writers I know, and definitely one of my favorite biographers. Born in China to OMF missionaries, Cook has written a plethora of books, mostly biographies, which edify readers and are very helpful to the church. Evangelical Press (EP Books) has published many of her books, and they recently reprinted some, showcasing beautiful covers. In this review, I will look at the Faith Cook Biography Bundle, as offered by 10ofThose.
This set includes three of Cook’s most celebrated biographies: Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim & Poet (originally published in 2010), Our Hymn Writers and Their Hymns (originally published in 2015), and Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England (originally published in 2015).
In Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim & Poet, Cook vividly portrays the journey of Bradstreet, a woman of faith navigating the challenges of life in colonial America. Through retelling Bradstreet’s struggles with illness and her quest for religious freedom, Cook unveils a resilient believer whose faith transcended the adversities of her time. This 150-page biography includes numerous photographs and illustrations which makes the reading experience more delightful. Not only chronicling Anne’s life and times, I appreciate Cook’s inclusion of many verses and excerpts from Anne’s poems and writings. Cook’s writing is very engaging and it’s great to know the life of this great Puritan woman.
Similarly, Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England sheds light on the remarkable story of a young woman whose steadfast faith defied the tumultuous political and religious landscape of sixteenth-century England. Cook’s portrayal of Lady Jane Grey goes beyond mere historical documentation, capturing the essence of her unwavering devotion amidst perilous circumstances. By contextualizing Grey’s life within the broader socio-political context, Cook was able to present a detailed and accurate account of the life and times of this Christian Queen. Cook also included photographs and illustrations, as well as detailed appendices that are helpful for further reading and study.
The thickest volume in the set, Our Hymn Writers and Their Hymns, traces the development of hymns from the early Christian church to the present day and helps us get to know their writers. This volume features biographies of famous hymn writers such as Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, John Newton, Fanny J. Crosby, and more. You will surely enjoy getting to know about the men and women behind our favorite hymns like Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, and Rock of Ages. Its final chapter features six modern hymn writers that blessed the church in recent decades.
Faith Cook has a gift and ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, and that is what I love most about her biographies. With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, she brings to life the experiences of individuals whose faith journey continues to inspire generations. Whether delving into the lives of pioneering women like Anne Bradstreet and Lady Jane Grey or exploring the vast Christian hymnody, this collection promises a journey of discovery and spiritual enrichment.
If you are looking to be encouraged and edified through the lives of saints who have gone before us, Faith Cook’s biographies are a rich source of such inspiration. If you have never read any of Cook’s writings before, this biography set is a great introduction. I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: A review copy of Faith Cook Biography Bundle was provided for review by 10 of Those, from whom you may purchase a copy.
KristiyaKnow 