A major figure in twentieth-century Christianity, Geoffrey Fisher worked to modernize the Church of England and to develop the worldwide Anglican Communion. His historic meeting with Pope John XXIII, his participation in national debates on the Suez Crisis and nuclear weapons, and his role in crowning Queen Elizabeth II made him a well-known figure in postwar Britain. His neglect by professional historians is partly remedied by this new biography, the first scholarly account of Fisher's life and career.

Author - David Hein

"This study by David Hein draws attention to a figure who has been undervalued. No attempt is made to defend Fisher's shortcomings, while credit is given to his achievements. This book is a valuable contribution to a re-evaluation of the life and times of Geoffrey Fisher and provides important insight into the difficult post-war period in the life of the Anglican Church and world-wide Communion."
—Cuthbert Johnson, Revue d'histoire ecclesiastique

"[A] fine book. . . . Hein gives us an excellent, balanced overview."
 
—Bernard Aspinwall, Catholic Historical Review
 

A "brief but trenchant biography."... Hein "regards Fisher's primacy as 'pivotal' and one that cries out for fresh examination. This he provides in good measure—and with commendable brevity.... But the book has been completed with a scholar's attention to detail. It is immensely readable, with plenty of good stories and succinct summings-up. Hein covers clearly and concisely all the great issues of Church and State with which Fisher had to deal...."
—Bernard Palmer, The Church Times

"Hein rightly emphasises [Fisher's] ecumenical endeavours.... In order to provide an accurate picture of these times Hein has not stinted himself in studying the literature of those years. As well as its ecclesiastical history, he has given us interesting flavours of the period from contemporary fiction. The bibliography is impressive... [A] significant monograph."
—Donald Gray, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

"Hein remarks that Fisher's time as archbishop of Canterbury was 'a pivotal archiepiscopate, one that cries out for fresh examination.' He has made it clear why this was so and contributed helpfully to such a reexamination...."
—Colin Brown, Anglican and Episcopal History


"David Hein has pulled off a remarkable feat in producing a short book on a very complex character."
—Robert Jeffery, The Expository Times

"This is a fascinating book—biographical, analytical, and thorough. Particularly interesting is the section that details Fisher's role in the creation of four Anglican provinces in Africa between 1951 and 1960."
—The Living Church

"Hein's book is an excellent introduction to Fisher, and his bibliography is superb. The book is well written, and the final chapter is an admirable summing up not only of Fisher's career but also of the state of the Church of England before, during, and after the years of his archiepiscopate."
—James Dunkly, Sewanee Theological Review

"What a splendid book. Thought-provoking, exceedingly well written, wise and balanced in its account—not only of Fisher's abilities and achievements but also of his deficiencies and missed opportunities, Hein's work skillfully blends biography and theological analysis with political, cultural, and social history."
—David L. Holmes, College of William and Mary

"David Hein here offers an elegant appraisal of his subject, placing Fisher in a succession of shifting landscapes and measuring his role with an acute eye. A superb portrait, it is the work of a historian of genuine distinction."
—Andrew Chandler, George Bell Institute at the University of Chichester

"Whilst eminently scholarly and appropriately demanding for the reader, this biography holds one's attention—a significant achievement, and much to be commended!"
—Ann Loades, University of Durham, UK, Emerita

"One of the best historians of church and society at work today, David Hein provides us with a keen and much-needed assessment of Fisher's archiepiscopate. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the development of today's Anglican Communion."
—Fredrica Harris Thompsett, President, Historical Society of the Episcopal Church

"By highlighting the career of Geoffrey Fisher against the background of the dramatic times and cultural changes through which he lived, David Hein offers a judicious and insightful portrait. Fisher's accomplishments and shortcomings stand out in this lucid biography."
—Bishop Frederick Borsch, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

"David Hein's treatment of Archbishop Fisher's career throws a great deal of light on the Church of England, Britain in the mid-twentieth century, and the place of religion in Europe and in the developing world following World War II. His assessment of Fisher as leader of the international Anglican Communion is particularly illuminating."
—W. Brown Patterson, University of the South, Emeritus

"This short, accessible book is helpful to both the professional scholar and interested amateur who wish to gain a greater understanding of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion more widely during the turbulent post-war period."
—Wendy Dackson, Ripon College, Cuddesdon

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