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Christian Encounters Series
George Washington Carver
Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.A generation of 20th-century Americans knew him as a gentle, stoop-shouldered old black man who loved plants and discovered more than a hundred uses for the humble peanut. George Washington Carver goes beyond the public image to chronicle the adventures of one of history's most inspiring and remarkable men.
George Washington Carver was born a slave. After his mother was kidnapped during the Civil War, his former owners raised him as their own child. He was the first black graduate of Iowa State, and turned down a salary from Thomas Edison higher than the U.S. President to stay at the struggling Tuskegee Institute, where he taught and encouraged poor black students for nearly half a century.
Carver was an award-winning painter and acclaimed botanist who saw God the Creator in all of nature. The more he learned about the world, the more convinced he was that everything in it was a gift from the Almighty, that all people were equal in His sight, and that the way to gain respect from his fellow man was not to demand it, but to earn it.
George Washington Carver was born a slave. After his mother was kidnapped during the Civil War, his former owners raised him as their own child. He was the first black graduate of Iowa State, and turned down a salary from Thomas Edison higher than the U.S. President to stay at the struggling Tuskegee Institute, where he taught and encouraged poor black students for nearly half a century.
Carver was an award-winning painter and acclaimed botanist who saw God the Creator in all of nature. The more he learned about the world, the more convinced he was that everything in it was a gift from the Almighty, that all people were equal in His sight, and that the way to gain respect from his fellow man was not to demand it, but to earn it.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
9 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
John Perry
20 books21 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Perry has coauthored books with John MacArthur, Richard Land, Mike Huckabee, among others and written historical books about Charles Colson, the Scopes Monkey Trials, and more. He is a two-time Gold Medallion Award finalist and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
John Perry has coauthored books with John MacArthur, Richard Land, Mike Huckabee, among others and written historical books about Charles Colson, the Scopes Monkey Trials, and more. He is a two-time Gold Medallion Award finalist and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2021
The man was certainly unique and inspirational, and also very winsome as an individual. But as much of the book was about his various doings at the agricultural college I was not always very engaged.
Of more interest to me (especially as a non-American) was how this man overcame racial prejudices, how he earned respect in a day when respect was not easily given to a black man, and in how ugly the casual racial prejudices of that time actually were.
Liked it.
Of more interest to me (especially as a non-American) was how this man overcame racial prejudices, how he earned respect in a day when respect was not easily given to a black man, and in how ugly the casual racial prejudices of that time actually were.
Liked it.
August 18, 2018
Dr. Carver has been a hero of mine since my childhood. I bought this book at the George Washington Carver National Memorial in Missouri this summer. I was teary-eyed at the memorial and teary-eyed while reading certain parts of this book.
March 10, 2013
I'd give this book a 5 of 5 for the story of an exceptionally amazing man, but a 3 of 5 for the writing which shows some repitition.
George Washington Carver was born around 1860 in Missouri of a slave family. His mother, Mary, was carried off by bushwackers and never heard from again. From this unlikely background George grew to become a man renowned far and wide for his understanding of crops and husbandry. He discovered 145 uses for peanuts and introduced manifold innovations that were adopted at a time when King Cotton was suffering.
His passion for learning and quiet but dogged determination enabled him to rise educationally at a time when Blacks had few opportunities. Never an agitator, instead he went on to become a tenured professor in the Tuskegee Institute. His passion was plants, their catoguing and uses. This passion grew out of a deep faith in the God of creation and a love for the Bible. He saw the face of God in the world around him.
He did not fit well into the academic regularity of a college which resulted in not a few run-ins with the head of the institution, Booker T. Washington. There was a dreamy side to his personality that led him to forget or neglect some of his duties. But he was beloved by his students whom he encouraged in many ways and lauded by many in white society for his brilliance.
In summary he was a brilliant scientist, a noble Christian, while being a very human person. A wonderful story.
George Washington Carver was born around 1860 in Missouri of a slave family. His mother, Mary, was carried off by bushwackers and never heard from again. From this unlikely background George grew to become a man renowned far and wide for his understanding of crops and husbandry. He discovered 145 uses for peanuts and introduced manifold innovations that were adopted at a time when King Cotton was suffering.
His passion for learning and quiet but dogged determination enabled him to rise educationally at a time when Blacks had few opportunities. Never an agitator, instead he went on to become a tenured professor in the Tuskegee Institute. His passion was plants, their catoguing and uses. This passion grew out of a deep faith in the God of creation and a love for the Bible. He saw the face of God in the world around him.
He did not fit well into the academic regularity of a college which resulted in not a few run-ins with the head of the institution, Booker T. Washington. There was a dreamy side to his personality that led him to forget or neglect some of his duties. But he was beloved by his students whom he encouraged in many ways and lauded by many in white society for his brilliance.
In summary he was a brilliant scientist, a noble Christian, while being a very human person. A wonderful story.
February 2, 2014
Race relations in America have always been hard and difficult. Great strides have been made during the past half century, despite the actions of various race hustlers like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and the NAACP leadership. To be sure, things are not perfect. Can they improve still? Perhaps. Can such areas as racial relations reach perfect harmony? Probably not, in our fallen, sinful world. But we *are* in a far better position, one that is the envy of human history, when it comes to the ability of different races and cultures within our country to get along.
What is the reason for this success? Was the path towards racial equality under the law through peaceful, quiet acts of kindness to others? Or was it through hard-charging activism? This is the perennial debate of the civil rights movement in America. Folks have this notion that the debate originates with Martin Luther King, Jr., on one side, and Malcolm X on the other. It doesn't. The debate presaged these two men by many, *many* years.
The progenitors of the debate are Frederick Douglass and the then-newly founded National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons, or NAACP, on the more assertive side, and Booker T. Washington with his successor, George Washington Carver, on the other side.
While actions like lawsuits, and violent protests were the methods of the more assertive folks, a quiet heart of faith in God and service to others, was the method, and firm belief, belief of Washington, Carver, and their supporters. I want to be understood on one thing, I am *not* condemning the lawsuits and other marches of the civil rights movement. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am praising them, and praising the man responsible for them: George Washington Carver.
Here we get to the subject of the book being reviewed herein. George Washington Carver had an interesting life, to be sure. He was purchased by a white landowner in Missouri. After young George and his mother were kidnapped by slave traders, their owners hired a man to rescue the two of them. George was rescued, but the mother was never heard from again. George and his brother, who had escaped the kidnapping, were raised by the white family, not as slaves or servants, but as their own foster children.
His parents were truly kind and loving people, and helped to instill in George's heart a trust and willingness to look for the best in every situation. One would argue that this was the early moving of God's Holy Spirit on the young child's heart. Eventually, he met a caring woman who preached the Gospel to him. This woman was greatly used by God, not just in young Carver's life, but also in the history of our country.
This is because as George grew, and pursued more and more educational opportunities, and business opportunities, he always remembered what he had been taught. God has a plan for all of us, white or black, and if we did our best to fulfill them, he would bless us. Even if not in this life, in the next one. Indeed, even if we must wait for our reward until the next life, God could and would use us to bless others in this one through our behavior, and proper worship and obedience of Him.
This is the secret and the legacy that George Washington Carver left us all. He was very much in the vein of Booker T. Washington, and agreed with his outlook on how to help gain equality for black Americans. Their personal dynamic was often one of professional conflict between a very powerful personality as the principal of Tuskegee Institute in the person of Washington, and an equally powerful personality, though more softly-spoken, in Tuskegee's most gifted teacher, George Washington Carver.
Despite the sometimes conflict between the two men, they respected and loved each other. So much so that upon hearing of Booker T. Washington's death in 1915, Carver became despondent and horribly depressed. His class loads were temporarily taken over, and Carver only supervised study hall for a while.
However, Carver also was used by God, tended by Him, I believe. He now emerged from Washington's shadow, and became the conduit for the passive and active groups of the civil rights movements to come together. The reason that peaceful marches won out over violent marches in the '60's was due to Carver's lasting influence. The reason that the race riots that erupted across the United States following the end of World War I came to an end as soon as they did, and were rejected by so many whites and blacks, was due to Carver's example.
Even when he didn't speak on the issue of civil rights, Carver's personality and powerful personal testimony was such that he made a difference. While there was nothing wrong with Booker T. Washington, he was seen as a powerful presence, and isolated with wealthy white contributors. Carver, meanwhile, was sickly most of his long life, and had a small stature, soft, almost feminine or childlike voice, and was loving and kind in his demeanor.
This combination was due to his physical ailments, and his great faith in Christ. God had, I believe it is clear, prepared Carver for this moment. This moment when he could benefit others by showing a way to win over the respect of those who hate you through love. It is true that there have always been radical groups such as the Black Panthers and the like, but the reason that most of those who historically have fought for civil rights were a fusion of assertive folks like the NAACP, and passive folks like Washington and his intellectual persuasion, was George Washington Carver and his testimony for Christ.
Some of these conclusions are mine, working from the book, *Christian Encounters: George Washington Carver* by John Perry. Perry ably writes of the power of Carver's life. While reading this book, I felt shame at how I respond to others wrongly at times, when he did not.
The only issue with Perry's writing is how he still so obviously takes up for what he thinks is the "right" interpretations and actions historically. This was still better than in his book on Lee for *The Generals* series, in that it didn't depart from the point of the book. I also must say that I would have liked to know if he kept in touch with the Carvers or not. It would have added depth to the presentation of his life story.
All of that said, I was convicted and blessed by this book. I want to look to and trust the God of nature Who loved, inspired, and molded young George Washington Carver through the Word, the study of botany, and the love of his brothers and sisters in the Lord. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, as he did so well. With His help, I shall.
Highly Recommended.
-----
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
What is the reason for this success? Was the path towards racial equality under the law through peaceful, quiet acts of kindness to others? Or was it through hard-charging activism? This is the perennial debate of the civil rights movement in America. Folks have this notion that the debate originates with Martin Luther King, Jr., on one side, and Malcolm X on the other. It doesn't. The debate presaged these two men by many, *many* years.
The progenitors of the debate are Frederick Douglass and the then-newly founded National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons, or NAACP, on the more assertive side, and Booker T. Washington with his successor, George Washington Carver, on the other side.
While actions like lawsuits, and violent protests were the methods of the more assertive folks, a quiet heart of faith in God and service to others, was the method, and firm belief, belief of Washington, Carver, and their supporters. I want to be understood on one thing, I am *not* condemning the lawsuits and other marches of the civil rights movement. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am praising them, and praising the man responsible for them: George Washington Carver.
Here we get to the subject of the book being reviewed herein. George Washington Carver had an interesting life, to be sure. He was purchased by a white landowner in Missouri. After young George and his mother were kidnapped by slave traders, their owners hired a man to rescue the two of them. George was rescued, but the mother was never heard from again. George and his brother, who had escaped the kidnapping, were raised by the white family, not as slaves or servants, but as their own foster children.
His parents were truly kind and loving people, and helped to instill in George's heart a trust and willingness to look for the best in every situation. One would argue that this was the early moving of God's Holy Spirit on the young child's heart. Eventually, he met a caring woman who preached the Gospel to him. This woman was greatly used by God, not just in young Carver's life, but also in the history of our country.
This is because as George grew, and pursued more and more educational opportunities, and business opportunities, he always remembered what he had been taught. God has a plan for all of us, white or black, and if we did our best to fulfill them, he would bless us. Even if not in this life, in the next one. Indeed, even if we must wait for our reward until the next life, God could and would use us to bless others in this one through our behavior, and proper worship and obedience of Him.
This is the secret and the legacy that George Washington Carver left us all. He was very much in the vein of Booker T. Washington, and agreed with his outlook on how to help gain equality for black Americans. Their personal dynamic was often one of professional conflict between a very powerful personality as the principal of Tuskegee Institute in the person of Washington, and an equally powerful personality, though more softly-spoken, in Tuskegee's most gifted teacher, George Washington Carver.
Despite the sometimes conflict between the two men, they respected and loved each other. So much so that upon hearing of Booker T. Washington's death in 1915, Carver became despondent and horribly depressed. His class loads were temporarily taken over, and Carver only supervised study hall for a while.
However, Carver also was used by God, tended by Him, I believe. He now emerged from Washington's shadow, and became the conduit for the passive and active groups of the civil rights movements to come together. The reason that peaceful marches won out over violent marches in the '60's was due to Carver's lasting influence. The reason that the race riots that erupted across the United States following the end of World War I came to an end as soon as they did, and were rejected by so many whites and blacks, was due to Carver's example.
Even when he didn't speak on the issue of civil rights, Carver's personality and powerful personal testimony was such that he made a difference. While there was nothing wrong with Booker T. Washington, he was seen as a powerful presence, and isolated with wealthy white contributors. Carver, meanwhile, was sickly most of his long life, and had a small stature, soft, almost feminine or childlike voice, and was loving and kind in his demeanor.
This combination was due to his physical ailments, and his great faith in Christ. God had, I believe it is clear, prepared Carver for this moment. This moment when he could benefit others by showing a way to win over the respect of those who hate you through love. It is true that there have always been radical groups such as the Black Panthers and the like, but the reason that most of those who historically have fought for civil rights were a fusion of assertive folks like the NAACP, and passive folks like Washington and his intellectual persuasion, was George Washington Carver and his testimony for Christ.
Some of these conclusions are mine, working from the book, *Christian Encounters: George Washington Carver* by John Perry. Perry ably writes of the power of Carver's life. While reading this book, I felt shame at how I respond to others wrongly at times, when he did not.
The only issue with Perry's writing is how he still so obviously takes up for what he thinks is the "right" interpretations and actions historically. This was still better than in his book on Lee for *The Generals* series, in that it didn't depart from the point of the book. I also must say that I would have liked to know if he kept in touch with the Carvers or not. It would have added depth to the presentation of his life story.
All of that said, I was convicted and blessed by this book. I want to look to and trust the God of nature Who loved, inspired, and molded young George Washington Carver through the Word, the study of botany, and the love of his brothers and sisters in the Lord. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, as he did so well. With His help, I shall.
Highly Recommended.
-----
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
November 29, 2021
This book is factual and respectful of Carver's faith, which guided everything he did, including his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He excelled at many endeavors: gardening, music, art, and of course botany. His motivation throughout life was to see African Americans have a better life. For instance, he devised multiple uses for the sweet potato in an effort to replace cotton as a chief crop. Cotton was back-breaking work for Black farmers.
He had frequent clashes with Booker T. Washington at their 19 years of shared work at Tuskegee Institute. Carver didn't emerge on the national scene until after Washington died in 1915. His testimony before the House Ways & Means Committee on myriad uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes propelled him to international renown.
Carver loved to be recognized for his work, but possessions and money meant little to him. He stayed at Tuskegee rather than accepting much higher-paying jobs (such as going to work for Thomas Edison).
While he strove to improve the conditions of his race, Carver was no agitator. He didn't raise a fuss when he couldn't ride in the same railroad cars, sleep in the same hotels, and eat in the same restaurants as white people.
He had frequent clashes with Booker T. Washington at their 19 years of shared work at Tuskegee Institute. Carver didn't emerge on the national scene until after Washington died in 1915. His testimony before the House Ways & Means Committee on myriad uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes propelled him to international renown.
Carver loved to be recognized for his work, but possessions and money meant little to him. He stayed at Tuskegee rather than accepting much higher-paying jobs (such as going to work for Thomas Edison).
While he strove to improve the conditions of his race, Carver was no agitator. He didn't raise a fuss when he couldn't ride in the same railroad cars, sleep in the same hotels, and eat in the same restaurants as white people.
October 3, 2020
Not the most exciting read but what an amazing man!
January 28, 2021
A great review of a great American, Alabamian, and Christian.
May 22, 2021
More people should read this book. Very informative.
January 26, 2012
“Of all his accomplishments, it may be that his greatest gift to black people and to the world was the gift of hope. He proved that a black man—or any man—could start with nothing and achieve great things.” – George Washington Carver; John Perry; Thomas-Nelson.
The first time George Washington Carver caught my attention was when I read Andy Andrew’s coffee table book, “The Butterfly Effect.” That kindled my curiosity. That, and a new appreciation for Martin Luther King Jr. John Perry writes the total history of George Washington Carver in one of his series of books called, Christian Encounters.
George Washington Carver was a kind soul, well-liked by both black and white people, and a survivor. His roots are famous. He was the son of a slave woman, owned by Moses Carver. Moses was against owning a slave, but saw slavery as an “economic necessity.” George Washington Carver was half-white. One night in a raid by robbers, George and his mom were kidnapped. His mom was never seen again, but Moses Carver went after them and managed to save George from death by trading George’s life for a racing horse. George’s mother was never returned or found.
Throughout George’s remarkable life as the adopted son of the Carvers, he managed to defy odds. George was a frail boy, later man who loved agriculture, experiments, and had an unusual personality and mind. Moses Carver and his wife, “didn’t go to church, but George was so interested in Christianity that he walked the mile by himself every Sunday morning.” George was an avid learner and his hunger for knowledge couldn’t be satiated. Due to his color, George could not attend a regular school. Susan Carver taught him at home and the rest he learned in Sunday School at church. Later, he would attend a public school. His love for God grew enormously through varying trials and difficulties.
What amazed me was his eccentricities. Even as he excelled through schools and later universities, he relied heavily upon affirmations. He disliked gifts, especially financial gifts, but when someone gave him a medal he cherished that, and if he didn’t get enough attention, he complained a lot. Yet in spite of his complaints and polarized emotions, he was known as a kind soul. Even when people segregated him he chose not to sue. George Washington Carver took the job in the poorest college after being a top-notch University professor in a mostly white college because he wanted to help his people excel.
Carver was also frugal (to say the least). He believed that, “we have become 99 percent money mad. The method of living at home modestly and within our income, laying a little by systematically for the proverbial rainy day which is sure to come, can almost be listed among the lost arts.”
He believed that, “As soon as you begin to read the great and loving God out of all forms of existence he has created, both animate and inanimate, then you will be able to converse with him, anywhere, everywhere, and at all times. Oh, what a fullness of joy will come to you. My dear friend, get the significance. God is speaking.”
George Washington Carver is both an inspiring and amazing human being who won the hearts of both races, getting past the prejudice using kindness, humility, and not violence or riots. There are lessons we could all learn in Carver’s life. He knew how to save money. His Bible studies were packed every week. The people who couldn’t get in stood outside the classroom to hear him give the study. Carver never used the Bible, but he had memorized it. This book was wonderfully insightful, though I didn’t sense any passion. The character of Carver came through while the writing itself didn’t excite me as much as I had been when I read James M. McPherson’s “Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief.”
All in all I would recommend this book to any teenager especially or adult eager to learn the personality and life of George Washington Carver and his friend, Booker T. Washington. Talk about your polar opposites! I rated this book four stars.
*Book given by Thomas-Nelson to review.
The first time George Washington Carver caught my attention was when I read Andy Andrew’s coffee table book, “The Butterfly Effect.” That kindled my curiosity. That, and a new appreciation for Martin Luther King Jr. John Perry writes the total history of George Washington Carver in one of his series of books called, Christian Encounters.
George Washington Carver was a kind soul, well-liked by both black and white people, and a survivor. His roots are famous. He was the son of a slave woman, owned by Moses Carver. Moses was against owning a slave, but saw slavery as an “economic necessity.” George Washington Carver was half-white. One night in a raid by robbers, George and his mom were kidnapped. His mom was never seen again, but Moses Carver went after them and managed to save George from death by trading George’s life for a racing horse. George’s mother was never returned or found.
Throughout George’s remarkable life as the adopted son of the Carvers, he managed to defy odds. George was a frail boy, later man who loved agriculture, experiments, and had an unusual personality and mind. Moses Carver and his wife, “didn’t go to church, but George was so interested in Christianity that he walked the mile by himself every Sunday morning.” George was an avid learner and his hunger for knowledge couldn’t be satiated. Due to his color, George could not attend a regular school. Susan Carver taught him at home and the rest he learned in Sunday School at church. Later, he would attend a public school. His love for God grew enormously through varying trials and difficulties.
What amazed me was his eccentricities. Even as he excelled through schools and later universities, he relied heavily upon affirmations. He disliked gifts, especially financial gifts, but when someone gave him a medal he cherished that, and if he didn’t get enough attention, he complained a lot. Yet in spite of his complaints and polarized emotions, he was known as a kind soul. Even when people segregated him he chose not to sue. George Washington Carver took the job in the poorest college after being a top-notch University professor in a mostly white college because he wanted to help his people excel.
Carver was also frugal (to say the least). He believed that, “we have become 99 percent money mad. The method of living at home modestly and within our income, laying a little by systematically for the proverbial rainy day which is sure to come, can almost be listed among the lost arts.”
He believed that, “As soon as you begin to read the great and loving God out of all forms of existence he has created, both animate and inanimate, then you will be able to converse with him, anywhere, everywhere, and at all times. Oh, what a fullness of joy will come to you. My dear friend, get the significance. God is speaking.”
George Washington Carver is both an inspiring and amazing human being who won the hearts of both races, getting past the prejudice using kindness, humility, and not violence or riots. There are lessons we could all learn in Carver’s life. He knew how to save money. His Bible studies were packed every week. The people who couldn’t get in stood outside the classroom to hear him give the study. Carver never used the Bible, but he had memorized it. This book was wonderfully insightful, though I didn’t sense any passion. The character of Carver came through while the writing itself didn’t excite me as much as I had been when I read James M. McPherson’s “Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief.”
All in all I would recommend this book to any teenager especially or adult eager to learn the personality and life of George Washington Carver and his friend, Booker T. Washington. Talk about your polar opposites! I rated this book four stars.
*Book given by Thomas-Nelson to review.
April 29, 2012
This book is one in a series of short biographies in the Christian Encounter series published by Thomas Nelson. Others include familiar subjects such as Tolkein, Bach, D L Moody, Jane Austen and Galileo; others more unfamiliar such as William F. Buckley, Anne Bradstreet and George Washington Carver.
The two previous volumes I've reviewed were ebooks, this was a hard copy. I was pleased to see the small format and the well-designed book covers, including flaps.
Perry is well placed to write this short, accessible biography as he has previously written Unshakable Faith (Multnomah Books, 1999) - a 400 page biography of Carver and his Booker T. Washington. He has also written biographies of General Lee, Mrs Robert E. Lee, Sargent York, Charles Colson and for this Christian Encounter series Sargent York and Winston Churchill.
Carver is best known as the 'peanut man'. (He discovered over 265 uses for peanuts.) But as this biography shows he was so much more. Franklin D Roosevelt described him as “One of world’s most significant scientists”.
Carver was born into slavery as the son of a slave woman, but after his mother was kidnapped was bought up by his owner Moses Carver. Brought up in a Christian environment he soon found faith and often taught Bible at the Sunday school. He also showed great aptitude for geology and botany. Through much hardship and subsistence living he manage to work his way through school - but because of his exceptional ability soon out grew his teachers.
He found a post at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, where he met Booker T. Washington. Washington encouraged Carver, but there was often friction and tension, despite the great mutual respect, between the two. Despite many threats to resign Carver remained at Tuskegee all his teaching years.
Carver excelled at teaching and research but administration was his shortfall. Perry presents us with Carver wart and all.
What shines through in this biography is Carter's love for and dependence upon his Lord. He credited all his 'admirable characteristics accomplishments to God' (p. 116). He believed that his scientific discoveries 'were a product of divine revelation' (p. 105). He wrote: "I didn't make these discoveries, God worked through me to reveal to his children some of his wonderful providence". Carter never let his colour hold him back - despite living in a place where segregation was legalised. Carver had the ear of government and the president, but was unable to dine in the same room as whites. He dealt with such injustices with kindness, patience and humility. He let his work speak for itself and demonstrated he was 'the white man's equal' (p. 104).
This is an excellent and highly readable introduction to the life and times of Carver. Perry ably places Carver in his cultural context and shows how Carver's faith helped him through and shaped his science:
Binding all the threads of his life into one cord was carver's overarching belief in a Creator who has made everything he studied so intently, and gave him and his students the insights to understand and appreciate them". (p. 75)
It is an inspiring and inspirational story well told by Perry.
The two previous volumes I've reviewed were ebooks, this was a hard copy. I was pleased to see the small format and the well-designed book covers, including flaps.
Perry is well placed to write this short, accessible biography as he has previously written Unshakable Faith (Multnomah Books, 1999) - a 400 page biography of Carver and his Booker T. Washington. He has also written biographies of General Lee, Mrs Robert E. Lee, Sargent York, Charles Colson and for this Christian Encounter series Sargent York and Winston Churchill.
Carver is best known as the 'peanut man'. (He discovered over 265 uses for peanuts.) But as this biography shows he was so much more. Franklin D Roosevelt described him as “One of world’s most significant scientists”.
Carver was born into slavery as the son of a slave woman, but after his mother was kidnapped was bought up by his owner Moses Carver. Brought up in a Christian environment he soon found faith and often taught Bible at the Sunday school. He also showed great aptitude for geology and botany. Through much hardship and subsistence living he manage to work his way through school - but because of his exceptional ability soon out grew his teachers.
He found a post at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, where he met Booker T. Washington. Washington encouraged Carver, but there was often friction and tension, despite the great mutual respect, between the two. Despite many threats to resign Carver remained at Tuskegee all his teaching years.
Carver excelled at teaching and research but administration was his shortfall. Perry presents us with Carver wart and all.
What shines through in this biography is Carter's love for and dependence upon his Lord. He credited all his 'admirable characteristics accomplishments to God' (p. 116). He believed that his scientific discoveries 'were a product of divine revelation' (p. 105). He wrote: "I didn't make these discoveries, God worked through me to reveal to his children some of his wonderful providence". Carter never let his colour hold him back - despite living in a place where segregation was legalised. Carver had the ear of government and the president, but was unable to dine in the same room as whites. He dealt with such injustices with kindness, patience and humility. He let his work speak for itself and demonstrated he was 'the white man's equal' (p. 104).
This is an excellent and highly readable introduction to the life and times of Carver. Perry ably places Carver in his cultural context and shows how Carver's faith helped him through and shaped his science:
Binding all the threads of his life into one cord was carver's overarching belief in a Creator who has made everything he studied so intently, and gave him and his students the insights to understand and appreciate them". (p. 75)
It is an inspiring and inspirational story well told by Perry.
August 11, 2016
SUMMARY
George Washington Carver by John Perry is a great book for learning about one of the most famous black men of the early 1900s! Scientist, botanist, educator, inventor, and artist, George Washington Carver had a truly fascinating life of successes and fame! From being kidnapped to succeeding in school to earning a doctorate, the "Peanut Man" had a life that will intrigue young and old minds alike. He was born a slave, but died a great scholar. Read about this remarkable doctor's story and learn about all of his great accomplishments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times best selling author John Perry was the fifth generation of his family to be born in Greensburg, Kentucky. He grew up in Houston, where he played basketball, ran track, and starred in musical productions. After serving in the army he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville and University College, Oxford, England. John graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt with a BA in English and a minor in piano, then tried to figure out how to earn a living with them. [Read more at John Perry's Amazon Author Bio!]
MY OPINION
George W. Carver was a fascinating and remarkable man! The author gave a lot of specific information about Dr. Carver's life that were very interesting, for example, the fact that he kept a boy's voice all his life and startled people by the sound when they heard him talk! However, sometimes the book was kind of slow and boring, but I suppose I feel that way because I'm usually not a fan of historic nonfiction books. It was very educational, and before I read this book, I didn't know much about Booker T. Washington, the principal of Tuskegee University in Carver's time. I learned that at times, Dr. Carver could seem a bit self-centered because he wanted some attention and fame; however, most of the time he was a humble, kind man, and his students at Tuskegee University admired him and appreciated his lectures on science and Christianity. What this teaches me is to just accomplish my goals and be positive and I will be recognized for my achievements. Dr. Carver developed many ways to use the common peanut and sweet potato, and he was requested by many companies. He was also adored by his pupils because he was an interesting teacher to talk with. Thus, he was widely recognized, and lots of people wanted to converse with him. I admire George W. Carver for his great accomplishments, and I hope that I can achieve as much as he did in my lifetime.
**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this eBook free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.**
Kristina's Review - George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver by John Perry is a great book for learning about one of the most famous black men of the early 1900s! Scientist, botanist, educator, inventor, and artist, George Washington Carver had a truly fascinating life of successes and fame! From being kidnapped to succeeding in school to earning a doctorate, the "Peanut Man" had a life that will intrigue young and old minds alike. He was born a slave, but died a great scholar. Read about this remarkable doctor's story and learn about all of his great accomplishments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times best selling author John Perry was the fifth generation of his family to be born in Greensburg, Kentucky. He grew up in Houston, where he played basketball, ran track, and starred in musical productions. After serving in the army he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville and University College, Oxford, England. John graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt with a BA in English and a minor in piano, then tried to figure out how to earn a living with them. [Read more at John Perry's Amazon Author Bio!]
MY OPINION
George W. Carver was a fascinating and remarkable man! The author gave a lot of specific information about Dr. Carver's life that were very interesting, for example, the fact that he kept a boy's voice all his life and startled people by the sound when they heard him talk! However, sometimes the book was kind of slow and boring, but I suppose I feel that way because I'm usually not a fan of historic nonfiction books. It was very educational, and before I read this book, I didn't know much about Booker T. Washington, the principal of Tuskegee University in Carver's time. I learned that at times, Dr. Carver could seem a bit self-centered because he wanted some attention and fame; however, most of the time he was a humble, kind man, and his students at Tuskegee University admired him and appreciated his lectures on science and Christianity. What this teaches me is to just accomplish my goals and be positive and I will be recognized for my achievements. Dr. Carver developed many ways to use the common peanut and sweet potato, and he was requested by many companies. He was also adored by his pupils because he was an interesting teacher to talk with. Thus, he was widely recognized, and lots of people wanted to converse with him. I admire George W. Carver for his great accomplishments, and I hope that I can achieve as much as he did in my lifetime.
**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this eBook free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.**
Kristina's Review - George Washington Carver
March 7, 2012
I really enjoy these biographies in the Christian Encounter Series by Thomas Nelson as they give you a Christian perspective on people from history, that you wouldn’t find out about in secular books. This one on George Washington Carver is actually a fast moving biography – maybe because I like this time period or was just plain fascinated by GWC – regardless this book on his life had me flipping pages fast. I learned about this man of great faith in school, but not much stuck with me and I sure didn’t learn about his Faith in God and how he taught the students at Tuskegee how to see God in all things through His Creation.
From being kidnapped to be raised by his former white owners, to earning an honorary doctorate – George Washington Carver wasn’t one looking for hand outs based on his race, age or even prior slave status. His faith in God took precedence in his life even in his experiments, going so far as to tell others that God told him where and how to do certain experimentation. Never recording any data on paper, he balked at the scientific hypothesis and other ‘norms’ of verification – but nevertheless he had some great results.
While his faith was strong and he continued working almost up until his death, he appeared to be very vain (we all have our vices) – some would donate money to him or give him things and he’d give them back. Instead, he preferred attention and accolades – like the two busts that were made of him – and unveiled in front of a large crowd amid applause. He often would threaten Booker T. Washington that he would quit his job if he didn’t get his way.
I was glad to have had the chance to ‘meet’ this man who has largely gone forgotten in our modern culture. He believed that God created the Earth and he bucked the thought of those who wanted to believe the Earth came about purely by coincidence. I’d recommend this book for anyone who wants to get a brief look at Carver’s life including young students – as this book isn’t long at only 12 chapters, it’s just right for a 4th grader and up to be able to read and understand and gain understanding of this man who joined science and faith.
**I was given an e-copy version of this book from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
From being kidnapped to be raised by his former white owners, to earning an honorary doctorate – George Washington Carver wasn’t one looking for hand outs based on his race, age or even prior slave status. His faith in God took precedence in his life even in his experiments, going so far as to tell others that God told him where and how to do certain experimentation. Never recording any data on paper, he balked at the scientific hypothesis and other ‘norms’ of verification – but nevertheless he had some great results.
While his faith was strong and he continued working almost up until his death, he appeared to be very vain (we all have our vices) – some would donate money to him or give him things and he’d give them back. Instead, he preferred attention and accolades – like the two busts that were made of him – and unveiled in front of a large crowd amid applause. He often would threaten Booker T. Washington that he would quit his job if he didn’t get his way.
I was glad to have had the chance to ‘meet’ this man who has largely gone forgotten in our modern culture. He believed that God created the Earth and he bucked the thought of those who wanted to believe the Earth came about purely by coincidence. I’d recommend this book for anyone who wants to get a brief look at Carver’s life including young students – as this book isn’t long at only 12 chapters, it’s just right for a 4th grader and up to be able to read and understand and gain understanding of this man who joined science and faith.
**I was given an e-copy version of this book from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
December 23, 2011
When I was much younger, I had a biography of George Washington Carver and, for some reason, I was curiously drawn to it. I must have read it at least a dozen times, whether because I felt inspired by it, felt a strange kinship with the Carver of the pages, or simply because I had been told it was my great-grandfather’s book. I even remember there being a few genaric tickets “hidden” in the back pages for which I concocted a complicated story explaining how they got there. Unfortunately, I don’t know where that book is anymore, but I was quite excited to come across a new biography on this symbol of innovation.
This time around, I’m certain it’s something of a kinship that draws me to Dr. Carver’s life story. While I certainly didn’t have nearly as difficult circumstances from which to rise above, we all experience difficult times. Carver’s attitude and persistence, which I can only hope to attain, is a clear indication that he had eternity written on his heart throughout his life, providing a healthy perspective on anything life had to offer – including the Great Depression.
But what really drew me into this biography, was the insight into Dr. Carver’s frustration over daily tasks, mismanagement, and the struggle to maintain focus despite being charged to split his efforts across several different tasks. Despite this frustration, Dr. Carver managed to keep his research moving forward, maintain his integrity, and find time amidst the distractions to fulfill his duties (for the most part). He did have his shortcomings and it really wasn’t until later – when the administrative pressure was off – that he truly blossomed and realized the potential of his research, but in that frustrating period of time – what I’ve called in my life “the time for marking time” – he developed character, routine, and laid the groundwork for what was to come. That’s a lesson I hope really settled in for me.
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
This time around, I’m certain it’s something of a kinship that draws me to Dr. Carver’s life story. While I certainly didn’t have nearly as difficult circumstances from which to rise above, we all experience difficult times. Carver’s attitude and persistence, which I can only hope to attain, is a clear indication that he had eternity written on his heart throughout his life, providing a healthy perspective on anything life had to offer – including the Great Depression.
But what really drew me into this biography, was the insight into Dr. Carver’s frustration over daily tasks, mismanagement, and the struggle to maintain focus despite being charged to split his efforts across several different tasks. Despite this frustration, Dr. Carver managed to keep his research moving forward, maintain his integrity, and find time amidst the distractions to fulfill his duties (for the most part). He did have his shortcomings and it really wasn’t until later – when the administrative pressure was off – that he truly blossomed and realized the potential of his research, but in that frustrating period of time – what I’ve called in my life “the time for marking time” – he developed character, routine, and laid the groundwork for what was to come. That’s a lesson I hope really settled in for me.
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
July 1, 2013
George Washington Carver is an inspiration! Born a slave, George was a frail boy. When he is kidnapped, along with his mother, by slave traders, Moses Carver convinces a Sergeant General to go after them. He brings back George, but his mother didn't make it. Moses raises young George as his own. But since George is frail, he learns inside chores instead of outside, like cleaning, mending and cooking.
These skills will aid George his entire life. When he applies for college, he is turned away because of his skin color. When he is finally enrolled into Iowa State College, he uses his painting and laundry skills to make money to survive. An interesting tidbit - when applying for school, the letter W is put in as his middle name. When asked what it stands for, George answers Washington...I guess. And that is how he got his middle name.
The first black man to graduate from Iowa State College, George then spent almost the rest of his life with agriculture, chemistry and experimenting on ways to improve or use the gifts God has given us. He never marries, but wants to help others learn their way out of poverty. He is probably most well-known by his work with peanuts. But his love for all the gifts God has given us is a true inspiration. With all of the tragedy in his life, George never let it get him down. He soaked up knowledge and made something of himself, and he did it simply and with class.
These skills will aid George his entire life. When he applies for college, he is turned away because of his skin color. When he is finally enrolled into Iowa State College, he uses his painting and laundry skills to make money to survive. An interesting tidbit - when applying for school, the letter W is put in as his middle name. When asked what it stands for, George answers Washington...I guess. And that is how he got his middle name.
The first black man to graduate from Iowa State College, George then spent almost the rest of his life with agriculture, chemistry and experimenting on ways to improve or use the gifts God has given us. He never marries, but wants to help others learn their way out of poverty. He is probably most well-known by his work with peanuts. But his love for all the gifts God has given us is a true inspiration. With all of the tragedy in his life, George never let it get him down. He soaked up knowledge and made something of himself, and he did it simply and with class.
August 15, 2013
George Washington Carver discovered 145 uses for the peanut. I remember studying about him in grade school but was never taught his remarkable story; from son of a slave, brought up in a caucasian home, taught to read, and his agile mind and thought processes were encouraged by his family. Against all odds he received a college education and along with Booker T. Washington encouraged generations of black students at Tuskegee Institute. What most history books omit is that he was a devout follower of Christ. He aways made his students aware of a divine Creator who is responsible for everything. This should be a "must read" for students.
January 28, 2012
I’d heard of George Washington Carver, and I knew that he’d done a lot of work with peanuts.
That was about it.
Now that I’ve read this book, I feel like I know Dr. Carver more deeply than ever before.
Jonh Perry’s book is intensely personal. Aside from occasionally repeating himself, his storytelling is compelling and fascinating.
If you’re interested in the contributions of Dr. Carver to the American experience, then you will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
That was about it.
Now that I’ve read this book, I feel like I know Dr. Carver more deeply than ever before.
Jonh Perry’s book is intensely personal. Aside from occasionally repeating himself, his storytelling is compelling and fascinating.
If you’re interested in the contributions of Dr. Carver to the American experience, then you will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 7, 2015
I'm so glad I found this series! Perry does a fabulous job of working into the very fabric of his biography Carver's faith and its impact on his choices from young adulthood to the end of his life. But even with a heavy emphasis on Carver's beliefs, Perry still treats honestly the self-promotion and interpersonal conflict that dogged Carver's work at Tuskegee. I look forward to sharing this book with my students in the future. And I look forward to finding others in the Christian Encounters series.
June 21, 2012
Wonderful story of Dr. Carvers' life, from childhood and the family that took him in until death at Tuskogee Institute.
He was a soft spoken man that was an encourager throughout his life. Humbly accepting help from others and offering all he had to others. He showed what true Christianity was all about (except maybe his yearning for appreciation), he gave his students Hope.
He was a soft spoken man that was an encourager throughout his life. Humbly accepting help from others and offering all he had to others. He showed what true Christianity was all about (except maybe his yearning for appreciation), he gave his students Hope.
October 14, 2025
I enjoyed this short biography on a man I knew little about. His productivity and desire to stand tall in the face of adversity were inspiring. I particularly enjoyed how he tried to find a use for every part of the plant so as to maximize utility for the African American community. Probably not the most complete biography, but all I need for the peanut guy.
January 25, 2015
Very nice, enjoyable biography about a pious man that achieved great things without knowledge of particles and progress. God was all he needed.
March 19, 2017
Sweet read
I loved this book. It was a really what I call an easy read and And I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
I loved this book. It was a really what I call an easy read and And I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
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