The Least of These My Brothers

by Harold Bell Wright

The Least of These My Brothers is the story of a printer, Dick Falkner, who arrives in Boyd City nearly penniless. Times are hard and beggars abound, and Falkner lives among them until finally landing a job at Udell's printshop. When he begins attending a young people's group at a large church, his influence results in the youth starting a program for the down-and-out of the city.

But this is quickly met by church opposition. Complicating matters further, a class-conscious elder is offended at his daughter's interest in Falkner and forces her away into the world of high society with all its corruption. Meanwhile, the death of a nameless man on the steps of the church leads to a mystery that threatens Falkner's life.

Genres: Christian Fiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Harold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century.

Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.

He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.

Reviews

[Vicki B]

Harold Bell Wright never fails to move & elevate. His fiction is as edifying as any "Christian Living" book I've read.

[Jaclynn]

If you like George MacDonald, you might like Wright’s books. Edited by Michael Phillips. This story is about a young man, taken as your ordinary tramp, but he really does want to work and he has a good attitude. In Boyd City, he gets a chance to work as an assistant to a printer and so begins his journey, his journey to finding God and making a big impact on the community. It’s also a story of love, mystery, friendship, inspiration, forgiveness and much more.

[Samantha]

Edited by Michael Phillips. This story is about a young man, taken as your ordinary tramp, but he really does want to work and he has a good attitude. In Boyd City, he gets a chance to work as an assistant to a printer and so begins his journey, his journey to finding God and making a big impact on the community. It’s also a story of love, mystery, friendship, inspiration, forgiveness and much more.

[Mandi]

This book is also titled 'That Printer of Udell's'. I read once that Ronald Reagan claimed that this book had a huge impact on his life, and after reading it I can understand why. What a fantastic story, and even more important, a powerful critique of the church. Still as relevant today as when it was first written in 1903. I will definitely be reading this one again, and next time I will read it to my kids.

[Kaysie]

I loved this book...it's fiction, but has such great meaning to it! It's about a young man who is homeless and coming to a church thinks that surely they will help him, yet they close the door on him...Setting aside the powerful message it is also a sweet love story! :)

[Cricket Muse]

Harold Bell Wright presents an engaging story of a young man who comes to a town a tramp with a noble heart. He is initially rebuffed by church attenders, yet his good character, a job, and a new set of clothes eventually wins the respect of the townspeople. Through the story of Dick Falkner, Bell pointedly extols the differences between true Christianity and those who merely attend church. Old-fashioned, a bit didactic, Bell’s story nevertheless still resonates today to the credit of Michael Phillip who edited Bell’s novel for a contemporary audience.

[Penny Clawson]

The story had its interesting events, a strong protagonist, and a clear theme. The church today, 100+ years since the original was written, has some of the same issues. That's too bad.

[Catherine Courtney]

I love this story.

This is a book that will make you think. Faith needs to be lived out, especially in these days. I know that I have a very long way to go.

[Darla Horst Brubacher]

This book inspires me to a 'higher' way of life.

[Ricki]

DNF at page 55. A Christian moralizing Dickensian style novel about how the Church needs to walk like Jesus and really help people. I agree! But the story didn’t quite hold my interest.

[Barbara]

Hmmm...hard to rate this one. The title alone is a thought to bear in mind. While it takes awhile to adjust to the style, pace and the melodrama; the issues addressed are still with us. Idealistic perhaps, but the ideas presented are worthy of some consideration. I'm intrigued w/ a pastor writing a story for his congregation to be read in installments.