How Sweet the Sound: The Story of John Newton & William Cooper

by Noel Davidson

The story of John Newton and William Cowper, authors of some of the greatest hymns in the world, such as "Amazing Grace," "There Is a Fountain," and "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." We have heard these tunes played and sung hundreds of times; but few of us realize these are just a small part of a larger collection written by two men who had become close friends. Two men from completely different backgrounds, drawn together by their love for God and their love of literature.

230 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Amy Doolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read but not particularly engaging. All the important women in Cowper’s life were left to the last 15 pages and Lady Austen got 1 page! Needs an index as I did wanted to focus on a few points but couldn’t. Really lacked information about their involvement in the abolition of the slave trade.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book about John newton and William Cowper. Wanted some biographical info on Cowper and this book covered that in an interesting way. God used both these men- he can use anyone. He is a God who rescues.

[Rick Shrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these biographies, both because I love to read of men and ministries, and because I have been to their houses and churches in Olney and London, England myself. Having been there, I walked with the author of this book through the little town of Olney, through the guinea orchard with Newton and Cowper, and sat in the garden house where Cowper composed “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” Newton is probably best known for his former life before conversion as a slave trader, but I think of him as a pastor and hymn writer, especially known for writing his hymn “Amazing Grace.” Cowper, his poet friend, and Newton are also well known for their compilation of hymns into a hymn book called “The Olney Hymns,” 348 in all, 280 by Newton. Both are reminders of a need for a closer walk with God.

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