The Price of Success: An Autobiography

by J.B. Phillips

“I have seldom been as deeply moved as by J. B. Phillips’s own description of his euphoria of success, followed by his plunge into years of deep depression. Yet, in the end, triumph prevailed.”—Kenneth N. Taylor, translator of The Living Bible
 
J. B. Phillips began translating the New Testament Epistles to encourage his bomb-threatened London congregation. From this humble beginning, and with C. S. Lewis’s enthusiastic support, a dynamic and prodigious writing career was launched. Radio broadcasting established his reputation as a natural communicator and requests for him to lecture snowballed. Success was heady, but the price of was almost too much to pay.
 
“I was in a state of excitement throughout the whole of 1955. My work hardly seemed arduous for it was intrinsically exciting. I was tasting the sweets of success to an almost unimaginable degree. My health was excellent; my future prospects were rosier than my wildest dreams could ever suggest; applause, honor, and appreciation met me wherever I went. . . . I was not aware of the dangers of success. The subtle corrosion of character, the unconscious changing of values, and the secret monstrous growth of a vastly inflated idea of myself seeped slowly into me. Vaguely, I was aware of this, and like some frightful parody of St. Augustine, I prayed, ‘Lord, make me humble—but not yet.’”

Genres: Biography

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

John Bertram Phillips or, J. B. Phillips (16 September 1906 – 21 July 1982) was an English Bible scholar, translator, author and clergyman. He is most noted for his version of The New Testament in Modern English. Phillips was born in Barnes, Surrey. He was educated at Emanuel School in London and took an Honors Degree in Classics and English from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He was ordained an Anglican clergyman in the Church of England in 1930. Phillips died in Swanage in Dorset, England in 1982.

Reviews

[Sean Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting biography to me, especially having read 3 of his books. Probably not for you if you're not interested in clergy, 20th century England, or Bible translation.

[Sandy McFadyean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A late additon to my Phillips collection. Tis wee book adds an insight into the personality of JB Phillips through short background pieces and replies to many of the letters he received.

It's a small volume and has great pick up and put down appeal. A great wee edition for reading on a longer commute or on coffee break.

I loved it - but then I'm biased. I love everything he's written.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of Phillips and his ministry and how he began writing Bible commentary, and his bout of depression later in life.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES YES YES