About the Book:
"Some publishers tell you what to believe. Other publishers tell you what you already believe. But InterVarsity Press helps you to believe." -J. I. PackerThe history of evangelicalism cannot be understood apart from the authors and books that shaped it. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. For many who take their Christianity seriously, books that equip them for a life of faith have frequently come from one influential publisher: InterVarsity Press.
Andy Le Peau and Linda Doll provide a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from its origins as the literature division of a campus ministry to its place as a prominent Christian publishing house. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, people, and events that made IVP what it is today. Recording good times and bad, celebrations and challenges, they place IVP in its historical context and demonstrate its contribution to the academy, church and world.
In honor of IVP's seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated this edition with new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren. As IVP continues to adapt to changes in publishing and the global context, the mission of publishing thoughtful Christian books has not changed. IVP stands as a model of integrative Christianity for the whole person—heart, soul, mind and strength.
Read an excerpt from Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength. on the publisher's website.
My Thoughts:
Call me crazy, but reading Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.:
A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2002 made me want to work
at IVPress someday. From its humble start in the mid-twentieth century to its
current work as a significant Christian publisher, this history of IVP
fascinated me.
Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. gave a comprehensive
exploration of IVPress: who held what position, what authors were acquired, how
sales were made, how departments functioned, when buildings were purchased,
etc. These historical facts were expertly integrated with personal anecdotes,
office camaraderie tales, and behind-the scenes looks to create an engaging and
informative narrative. I thought it notable that the book discussed poor
decisions and publishing missteps. I sometimes struggled to keep all the names
straight, but it did get easier as I progressed through the book.
I deeply appreciated the descriptions of IVP’s ethos. The
authors explained that IVP’s stance has always been to engage with culture
rather than to avoid it or stand against it. For example, in a time when some
church communities warned against higher education, IVP embraced academia. This
mindset influenced publication decisions, but other factors such as being an
ecumenical entity, affirming the gifts of women, and holding to egalitarianism
also helped create IVP’s unique place in the Christian publishing market. Some
would call IVP “progressive” or “liberal”, but the organization holds a high
regard for the Scriptures and the Gospel that rivals any “conservative”
publisher.
I thoroughly enjoyed Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. by
Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll. Readers who have enjoyed many of IVP’s books
or are interested in the publishing world will likely be the ideal audience for
this book. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
