"Roger Steer has paid close attention to many parts of John Stott's story. Basic Christian provides us windows into some of the reasons and ways Stott's life and ministry have had such global impact. I am moved again with deep gratitude for John Stott, and the faithfulness and wisdom, courage and humility with which he has lived and communicated the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"I call you 'the wizard'--because I don't know how you did it!"

"A young boy perched on a church balcony, dropping paper pellets into the hats of the ladies beneath him, grows into the greatest Anglican of the last 100 years--with warmth, perception and sympathy, Roger Steer describes the lifelong journey of John Stott. Scrupulously researched, vividly written, this book lights up the character of the man with the longest shadow in the modern church."

"In this engaging, splendid and admirably readable biography, Roger Steer offers compelling details of Uncle John's life journey, the man of all continents, a unique humble and faithful servant of God with a phenomenal achievement. It is impossible to read it without learning a lot, being inspired, touched and renewed. Uncle John's biography displays a force and a resonance that will challenge and impact the younger generations who have to resist the pressure of the postmodern era."

"As [a] former neighbor of John Stott's for twenty-two years, I am--with thousands of others--indebted to Roger Steer for his winsome account of the life and leadership of this, the unofficial holder of the Blue Riband in Bible ministry worldwide."

"This is a fascinating story told well of a man, described in the pages of this book, as one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century. It documents a life well lived and worthy of imitation, but it also charts some landmark moments in the history of worldwide evangelicalism. This is a valuable record of both a man and a movement. Roger Steer paints a compelling portrait packed with lessons for any who would aspire to be servant leaders in Christ?s church."

"This account of John Stott's life and ministry not only helps us understand so much of recent evangelical history but also provides us with a wonderful model of humble Christ-centeredness. We should take every opportunity to learn from the example of this great man of God."

"Continually engrossing, utterly fascinating, deeply inspiring and profoundly challenging. A highly accessible portrait of a modern hero, which will be certain to have an impact on any serious reader. For all his clarity, brilliance, intelligence and persuasiveness, what is most striking throughout the pages of this book is his love, his Christlike servant-heartedness."

"Loved by the African poor and called to advise British royalty, living simply and listed amongst Time magazine's most influential people, here is the story of a remarkable man. This engaging biography provides some unexpected insights, whether coping with family opposition, caring for London's under-privileged, or experiencing the pain of criticism and disagreement. It demonstrates why a world-famous writer and Bible teacher is known for the Christlike quality of humility, and not only introduces us to one of the great Christian leaders of our time but points us to the Lord whom he has served so faithfully."

"Informal and readable but informative and insightful."