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The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story
Eric Liddle is famous for being the man who would not compromise his religious principles and refused to compete in the Olympics on a Sunday - despite the fact that he was the red hot favourite for the gold. Instead he entered a different event that was not being competed on the Sabbath. . . and won a gold anyway. One of Scotland's finest athletes, Liddle was feted throughout the United Kingdom. At the height of his fame, however, he slipped quietly out of the limelight to become a missionary in China, where he later came to an unpleasant end in a Japanese internment camp.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1981
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About the author
Sally Magnusson
22 books138 followersSally Magnusson is a Scottish author and broadcaster.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 22, 2020
To begin with, I should say that "Chariots of Fire" is one of my all time favorite movies. I saw it in the theatres at least 10 times, and it was the first pre-recorded video tape that I ever owned. At one point I stumbled on and purchased a 16mm print of the film, and eventually bought the DVD. Like I said, it's a favorite of mine.
I received this book as a gift around the time of the film, and it has been sitting in my "to read" pile for decades -- perhaps longer than any other. Still, despite the occasional weeding of my book collection over the years, this one always managed to stick around as I really did plan to read it someday.
Well, that day finally came, and I enjoyed the book. Eric Liddell is a fascinating figure and clearly a great inspiration to many, including myself. Reading his story I realize how influential his story (as told in the film) was to me growing up as a teenager.
I was interested to read about the differences between Eric Liddell the character in the film and Eric Liddell the human being (not all that many). The author did go out of her way to track down good source material, but I am slightly bothered that the book (my edition at least) lacks a bibliography or source notes -- not very scholarly.
Also, in terms of biography, the author spends just a little too much time talking about the events surrounding Eric Liddell's life for my taste. I read the book to read about Eric Liddell, not to learn in general about the Japanese occupation of China, for example.
For a long time, I think that this was the only easily accessible biography on Eric Liddell. There now seem to be more about him, and perhaps at some point I will read one of them.
Finally, I will say this: the author, try as she might, was unable to find anything negative about Eric Liddell. He does indeed seem to have been Saint and I well confess to believing that. I've had the pleasure of knowing one such person in my own life, and recognize the connection.
I received this book as a gift around the time of the film, and it has been sitting in my "to read" pile for decades -- perhaps longer than any other. Still, despite the occasional weeding of my book collection over the years, this one always managed to stick around as I really did plan to read it someday.
Well, that day finally came, and I enjoyed the book. Eric Liddell is a fascinating figure and clearly a great inspiration to many, including myself. Reading his story I realize how influential his story (as told in the film) was to me growing up as a teenager.
I was interested to read about the differences between Eric Liddell the character in the film and Eric Liddell the human being (not all that many). The author did go out of her way to track down good source material, but I am slightly bothered that the book (my edition at least) lacks a bibliography or source notes -- not very scholarly.
Also, in terms of biography, the author spends just a little too much time talking about the events surrounding Eric Liddell's life for my taste. I read the book to read about Eric Liddell, not to learn in general about the Japanese occupation of China, for example.
For a long time, I think that this was the only easily accessible biography on Eric Liddell. There now seem to be more about him, and perhaps at some point I will read one of them.
Finally, I will say this: the author, try as she might, was unable to find anything negative about Eric Liddell. He does indeed seem to have been Saint and I well confess to believing that. I've had the pleasure of knowing one such person in my own life, and recognize the connection.
August 13, 2023
This short 195 page book has been sitting in my cupboard for a long time. I picked it up several times to read it because Chariots of Fire is my favourite all-time movie. But I could not get into this biography by Sally Magnusson. By now, the book has literally fallen all to pieces but I thought I would give it one more go. And I am so glad that I did. It is an incredible insight into the life of Eric Liddell... The Scotsman who would not run on Sunday because of his beliefs. But when he ran in a different race he set a world record despite his clumsy approach to running. The book also tells how he turned down a subsequent Olympics so that he could be a missionary in China. Published in the same year that the movie came out (1981) about Liddell (warning: the movie whilst very good is not entirely accurate) this book is well researched and paints a very glowing picture of man who loved others so much he gave his life for them. Thoroughly recommended.
January 13, 2021
A fantastic empathetic rendering of the most incredible athlete to come out of Scotland, Eric Liddell. An inspirational figure for the manner in which he conducted his short life.
I could not recommend this book highly enough.
I could not recommend this book highly enough.
January 15, 2009
When I first watched the movie Chariots of Fire, I was intrigued by Eric Liddell's story, the Scot who loved to run. He is famous for having refused to run the 100 meter race in the Olympics, for which he had been selected, because the race was to be run on a Sunday. As a devout Christian, he was unwilling to break the Sabbath. Instead, through a confluence of events, he was given the opportunity to run in the 400 meter event on a different day. Though he had not trained or prepared for this event, he ran it anyway, and won first place. And yet, this was not his greatest accomplishment in my mind.
Eric lived in a time when the co-called "muscular Christianity" movement was in sway, and there were, in fact, numerous others at that Olympics who refused to participate when asked to do so on the Sabbath. What set Liddell apart was what he did with his life later. Shortly after the Olympics, he set aside any personal ambition, and traveled to China as a missionary. Quite literally, he spent the rest of his life there. During the war, the Japanese invaded and occupied China, and Liddell was kept in a concentration camp along with other Westerners. It was there that he died (of a brain aneurism, as I recall) shortly before the end of the war. However, through his time there it was by the force of his faith and commitment that many others imprisoned with him saved (and changed) changed their lives.
I read two biographies of Eric Liddell. I don't remember which was which now, and no longer have them in my possession, but in one of them the latter third of the book consists of interview excerpts that the author had with people who knew or were associated with Liddell. Many of them were people who were in the concentration camp with him, and their recollections of him are heartfelt. One was powerful to me; he spoke of Liddell's habit of rising very early each morning for scripture study, meditation, and prayer, and expressed his belief that it was due to that habit that Eric was able to have the influence for the better that he did with so many people.
Read a biography of his life...you won't be sorry.
Eric lived in a time when the co-called "muscular Christianity" movement was in sway, and there were, in fact, numerous others at that Olympics who refused to participate when asked to do so on the Sabbath. What set Liddell apart was what he did with his life later. Shortly after the Olympics, he set aside any personal ambition, and traveled to China as a missionary. Quite literally, he spent the rest of his life there. During the war, the Japanese invaded and occupied China, and Liddell was kept in a concentration camp along with other Westerners. It was there that he died (of a brain aneurism, as I recall) shortly before the end of the war. However, through his time there it was by the force of his faith and commitment that many others imprisoned with him saved (and changed) changed their lives.
I read two biographies of Eric Liddell. I don't remember which was which now, and no longer have them in my possession, but in one of them the latter third of the book consists of interview excerpts that the author had with people who knew or were associated with Liddell. Many of them were people who were in the concentration camp with him, and their recollections of him are heartfelt. One was powerful to me; he spoke of Liddell's habit of rising very early each morning for scripture study, meditation, and prayer, and expressed his belief that it was due to that habit that Eric was able to have the influence for the better that he did with so many people.
Read a biography of his life...you won't be sorry.
June 9, 2009
I loved the movie "Chariots of Fire" and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was not very long, only about 192 pages, but Magnusson packs a ton of information on Eric Liddell both personal and general. Eric was so much more than a fluke runner for Scotland and eventually the United kingdom in the 1920's. His running made him famous, his steadfast adherence to his religious beliefs made him much more. He was the first real humanitarian of the 20th century. Someone that practiced what he was preaching in the mission field and never, ever asked or sought recognition for his work. In the end a man who was one of the fastest runners in the world and one of the most dedicated missionaries, died, interned in a Japanese camp in occupied China, of a brain tumor. As was true to Eric's selflessness, no one at the camp even knew he was ill (save for a select few who knew him well) until the day he died. Eric Liddell may very well have been one of God's chosen few and God endowed him with speed of foot and breadth of heart to make the world a better place. He will always be missed.
October 6, 2024
I really do love biographies.
I need to read them more often. Sometimes, instead of reading about what someone thinks or believes about something, seeing how they lived out what think or believe can be so much more insightful and powerful. Eric Liddle is like that. You can't read about how he lived and not realize that here was a man who had something special.
On the other hand, I'm somehow turning into a 1930-1950 expert on World War II and its surrounding time frame. I keep reading books about it from different perspectives, examining different people and coming away with realizing all the complexity contained in that time frame.
First I read the Rape of Nanking, where I learned about the Japanese having a contest to see who could behead the most people in the quickest time frame, and then I read this book, that talks about Eric Liddle going and trying to rescue a man who's beheading was botched, and survived at a temple where people walked over him on their way to burn incense.
I am listening to the garden of the beasts, that talks about the American ambassador to Germany before and maybe during World War II (I haven't finished it, so I don't know where it cuts off), and it tells the story of the ambassador's daughter witnessing German parades that end up with people being dragged away and beaten because they don't agree with the Nazi propaganda. Then I listen to Agent Sonya, who just happens to be one of the participants of one of those parades who gets dragged away and beaten.
I just watched Oppenheimer and learned way more about the atomic development program than I ever knew before, and Agent Sonya's final section just happens to be about how the USSR was able to build its own atomic program from receiving information from a British physicist spy.
I haven't planned any of this. I'm just reading books that come across my path. It's just interesting how they all build on one another.
I need to read them more often. Sometimes, instead of reading about what someone thinks or believes about something, seeing how they lived out what think or believe can be so much more insightful and powerful. Eric Liddle is like that. You can't read about how he lived and not realize that here was a man who had something special.
On the other hand, I'm somehow turning into a 1930-1950 expert on World War II and its surrounding time frame. I keep reading books about it from different perspectives, examining different people and coming away with realizing all the complexity contained in that time frame.
First I read the Rape of Nanking, where I learned about the Japanese having a contest to see who could behead the most people in the quickest time frame, and then I read this book, that talks about Eric Liddle going and trying to rescue a man who's beheading was botched, and survived at a temple where people walked over him on their way to burn incense.
I am listening to the garden of the beasts, that talks about the American ambassador to Germany before and maybe during World War II (I haven't finished it, so I don't know where it cuts off), and it tells the story of the ambassador's daughter witnessing German parades that end up with people being dragged away and beaten because they don't agree with the Nazi propaganda. Then I listen to Agent Sonya, who just happens to be one of the participants of one of those parades who gets dragged away and beaten.
I just watched Oppenheimer and learned way more about the atomic development program than I ever knew before, and Agent Sonya's final section just happens to be about how the USSR was able to build its own atomic program from receiving information from a British physicist spy.
I haven't planned any of this. I'm just reading books that come across my path. It's just interesting how they all build on one another.
July 24, 2017
An interesting read about one of my childhood heroes, particularly about his later life in China. However, I found the author's approach grating & superficial, and felt she failed to provide a satisfying answer to her main question of what made Liddell 'tick'. Would love to read an account that considers Liddell in greater depth.
June 7, 2022
What happened to Eric Liddell after the 1924 Paris Olympics (Chariots of Fire)? He became a missionary in China, before and during World War II (which also impacted China).
February 15, 2017
Very interesting (and quick/easy) read about a Scottish track star who chose a life as a missionary in China after winning gold in the 1924 Olympics. Sounds like a great man!
November 10, 2013
Chariots of Fire made Eric Liddell famous. He refused to run on Sunday in the Olympic Games, and wound up winning the gold in another event as a result.
This book goes beyond the movie, to the rest of Eric's life. He gave up a life of sporting fame for the mission field in China, during a turbulent, war-torn period of her history in the 20s and 30s. He was often caught between Japanese and Chinese armies, seeking to bring the gospel to the natives.
He died in a Japanese internment camp in china. Few know this.
During his time there, he coordinated sporting events, but refused to participate on Sundays. Still, he refereed a sporting event on a Sunday there. Read the book to find out why.
There's a bit too much uninteresting detail - thus the four stars instead of five. But this is a worthy and inspiring biography.
This book goes beyond the movie, to the rest of Eric's life. He gave up a life of sporting fame for the mission field in China, during a turbulent, war-torn period of her history in the 20s and 30s. He was often caught between Japanese and Chinese armies, seeking to bring the gospel to the natives.
He died in a Japanese internment camp in china. Few know this.
During his time there, he coordinated sporting events, but refused to participate on Sundays. Still, he refereed a sporting event on a Sunday there. Read the book to find out why.
There's a bit too much uninteresting detail - thus the four stars instead of five. But this is a worthy and inspiring biography.
September 28, 2010
I enjoyed this book so much! The quiet strength of Eric Liddell was amazing. Throughout the book, people described him as the most Christlike person they had ever met. I kept thinking of how much like Joseph Smith he seemed--fun-loving, loved to be with kids, served others no matter who they were, but still a person who felt deeply, whether joy or pain, and someone who enjoyed life. He is truly an inspiration. It is difficult to believe that, as imperfect beings, we can really be like Christ in this life. But Eric Liddell achieved that, and he wasn't a prophet--he was just a normal guy who spent every morning in devotion to God, and then spent the rest of the day proving that devotion. I was really inspired by his dedication and love and strength.
October 7, 2010
I didn't actually finish the book--not in the mood right now--but so far it's been mildly interesting. It's about Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame. My church book group ate it up, and I can see why: Liddell's character, integrity, and dedication to God make him an uncommon hero by today's standards. I greatly admire him as a person; I just didn't find the book all that engaging. Here's a quote I liked, though:
"When someone asked him the secret of his success at 440 yards, he said: 'The first half I run as fast I can, and the second half I run faster with God's help.'" (p. 38)
"When someone asked him the secret of his success at 440 yards, he said: 'The first half I run as fast I can, and the second half I run faster with God's help.'" (p. 38)
October 23, 2012
This is a remarkable book about a man who surrendered his life to Christ completely. Remarkable because, despite the writer not sharing this faith, she represents it wonderfully - which she's able to do perhaps because she does not share it. Eric Liddell's personality comes through with startling clarity and I can't see how anyone would leave this book not having learned something profound.
August 1, 2017
Although the writing style is a bit antiquated, the story is magnificent. What comes through most clearly is that Eric Liddell lived out good faith to the last. And it was (and is) his faith that drew people to him. "God honors those who honor Him."
May we all pursue faithful obedience of the Lord in such a humble way as Liddell did.
May we all pursue faithful obedience of the Lord in such a humble way as Liddell did.
November 8, 2016
I enjoyed this. It wasn't life-changing, but rather mildly interesting. I have read Langdon Gilkey's _Shantung Compound_, which mentions Eric Liddell by a made-up name (Langdon Gilkey, for reasons that should be obvious in reading his book, changed a lot of names). I admire Eric Liddell. Reading about his life made me want to become a better person.
May 7, 2024
"Chariots of Fire" - as good as it is - only tells Part One of the Eric Liddell's remarkable story. Part Two is equally inspiring and convicting. This is a man who had his priorities straight. And he really enjoyed life, as short as it was. I can't think of any famous person in recent memory like him. And, frankly, that's quite sad. We could use a lot more Eric Liddells.
November 12, 2014
Very enjoyable to read about a man of principle, someone who had high moral and ethical standings and lived each day - as much as possible - with this level of integrity. Eric's focus never wavered, and his commitment to his beliefs is greatly admired.
September 19, 2015
Enjoyable about his famous 1924 Olympics and his later life as a missionary in China but I felt it was padded out.A great man,athlete and story but lacking excitement once you're familiar with the movie.It was interesting to see how the scriptwriter changed events to heighten the conflict.
December 7, 2008
I enjoyed reading about the life of Eric Liddell. Like that of Robert E. Lee, I am amazed by his simple obedience in all things unto God.
January 10, 2010
I was awed. I was moved. And I am challenged. We need more people today like Eric Liddell. Wow.
February 13, 2010
It's been a long time, so I'm due for a re-read. I remember liking this, especially, of course, the part where he wins the Olympic race. :)
August 26, 2013
inspired me, and motivated me to keep going...
December 5, 2015
Did not finish this one yet.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews