author
James W. (James Wideman) Lee
1849–1919
A widely read Methodist minister and speaker, he wrote practical, energetic books that mixed moral guidance, travel writing, biography, and religious reflection. His work reached readers well beyond the United States, with The Making of a Man translated into several Asian languages soon after publication.
1 Audiobook
The Making of a Man
by James W. (James Wideman) Lee
About the author
Born in Georgia in 1849, James Wideman Lee became a prominent Methodist clergyman, author, and lecturer. He served churches in Georgia before moving to St. Louis, where he was pastor of St. John's Church and built a national reputation as a forceful speaker and religious writer.
His books show a wide range of interests. Alongside The Making of a Man (1892), he published works such as Christ the Reason of the Universe, first delivered at the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893, The Earthly Footsteps of the Man of Galilee, and Henry W. Grady, Editor, Orator and Man. He also helped produce large reference and church-history works, including editions of the Bible and a richly illustrated history of Methodism.
Lee's writing aimed at a broad audience rather than specialists. He favored clear lessons, vivid examples, and an encouraging tone, which helped make his books popular in his own day. He died in St. Louis in 1919.