A W Tozer (1897 - 1963) had little formal education when he started to preach, having grown up on in a tiny farming community in Western Pennsylvania. Yet his soul was on fire for God, and he would in turn set congregations alight. He set himself the highest standards. On the day of his ordination he prayed: "Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ." This biography will please all who admire Tozer's many books - from which he rarely profited, giving most of his royalties away and living on his meagre salary.