BOOK REVIEW CATHERINE BOOTH – FROM TIMIDLY TO BOLDNESS Reviewed by David Woodbury David Malcolm Bennett, Catherine Booth: From timidity to boldness 1829 – 1865, (Sydney, Australia: Morning Star Publishing, 2020), 308 pp. ISBN 978 0 64753 072 61
Cover of David Malcolm Bennett’s book, Catherine Booth
The problem with writing about William and Catherine Booth is the simple fact that much has already been written, and a great deal of information is currently available, some factual, some legendary and some folklore. The latest offering on the life and influence of Catherine Booth comes from a writer who has devoted much of his life to researching and writing on the Booths and the early Salvation Army. It is the first of a two-volume biography which explores the life of Catherine Booth, a highly complex yet remarkable woman. While much of the narrative is known through the works of other writers, Bennett breaks new ground, particularly in researching Catherine’s family of origin, the Mumfords. There are some strong emerging themes; such as the methods the Booths began to employ in reaching the lost; street parades before the service, the altar call. Notable, also is Catherine’s conviction on female ministry and the development of the Booth’s team ministry. Bennett notes the use of the term; the prosecution of our mission, in one of Catherine’s letters. He goes on to write: “Though Catherine was not yet preaching she was still sharing in the efforts … To win men and women to the Kingdom of God”.2 By 1861, William and Catherine Booth were in shared ministry with Catherine commenting: “I am just in my element in the work. I only regret that I did not commence years ago”.3 She was to comment later: “I am wonderfully delivered from all fear after I get my mouth open”. It may well be Reference citation of this paper: David Woodbury, “Book review, Catherine Booth – From timidity to boldness”, The Australasian journal of Salvation Army history, 6, 1, 2021, 92 – 93. 1 At the time of publication of the AJSAH, the book was available online or instore at the following locations; the publisher https://morningstarpublishing.net.au/product/catherine-booth-2/; Koorong https://www.koorong.com/product/catherine-booth-from-timidity-to-boldness-1829-1865_9780647530726 2 David Malcolm Bennett, Catherine Booth: From timidity to boldness 1829 – 1865, (Sydney, Australia: Morning Star Publishing, 2020), 139. 3 Bennett, Catherine Booth, 200.
The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History, Volume 6, Issue 1, 2021. Page 92
