J.N. Andrews by Gilbert M. Valentine

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This book is a thorough investigation of the life of John Nevins Andrews, one of our early Adventist preachers.  Its 718 pages follow Elder Andrew's life from birth in a community northeast of Portland, Maine to his death of T.B. in Switzerland.   Along the way, he had a hand in establishing the Review (magazine and print shop), running the General Conference when James White was unable to do so, helping start the Adventist work in Switzerland, and researching and writing an epic book on the Sabbath  as well as leading the work in several conferences and church districts.

The book is not always an easy read because Dr. Valentine wants to make sure that everything he says is thoroughly documented and explained. The picture of James White - and even of Ellen White at times - is not always a pretty one because the couple labored to make sure that the new Adventist church was fully and completely in line with the Bible and what God revealed to Ellen White.

You'll appreciate the dedication that Andrews gave to the church's work and the sacrifices that his wife, his son, and his daughter made so he could do this (only his son was alive by the time Elder Andrews died).  It's a very different and thorough picture of early Adventist history that is painted for you as you read through its 718 pages (note: each chapter has many pages of footnotes).

Try it.  If you stick with it, I think you'll appreciate the work and dedication of our early Seventh-day Adventist pioneers.

Note: this book is the latest in the Adventist Pioneer series edited by George Knight.