James Brabazon (1) (1923–2007)

A very comprehensive biography that presents both the positive and the negative aspects of Schweitzer's life and character. The positive bits certainly dominate, and Brabazon almost always has a way to explain away the negative bits, but he leaves it up the the reader to make the final decision. There is good use of original materials, with lots of long quotes from Schweitzer's own books and letters. Brabazon tells the story of Schweitzer's life, but also does quite a bit of interpretation. I found Brabazon's own views annoying at times (especially his eager and condescending dismissal of academic philosophy and theology), but he did also have some interesting insights into Schweitzer's thought. Schweitzer's life is fascinating and inspiring in its own right, and Brabazon presents a full enough account of it that any shortcomings he might have as an author end up being very much beside the point.… (mere)