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Ishmael
Author: Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth
Written in: 1876
Pages: 528
Ishmael is part of the Classic Collection
You will never read a story that is more inspiring and challenging than Ishmael. The heights of success achieved by this young man reveal little of the utter poverty into which he was born. He entered life motherless and poor, and despite the wishes of everyone around, he survived and fl ourished in his paltry environment. His commitment to character and integrity and his singular focus on preserving his mother’s name gave his life focus and purpose. His perseverance and determination to educate himself in law gave him the opportunity to infl uence the highest levels of government. E.D.E.N. Southworth captures the rich panorama of sights and sounds in rural Maryland in the decades prior to the Civil War. When you reach the end, don’t despair!—the drama continues in the sequel, Self Raised!
"I loved how the story of Ishmael not only intrigued me but pulled on every heartstring and emotion and ended with the glory of God and His providence over our lives. It was a life changing book for me. It has compelled me to work harder and with more diligence all for God's glory!" - JeNee
"I finished Ishmael and Self Raised in about three weeks.They were probably the best books I have ever read - and believe me, I've read a lot! Thank you somuch for recommending them. I loved them so much and I really feel like they brought me closer to God. Out of all of the characters in the book Bee was my favorite. Her love for God, her gentleness,and her devotion arejust someof the things about herthat I've been strivingto attain. It was almost like she was a role model to me! Even though it sounds kind of funny, it's true. The books influence me a lot and I feel closer to God than I ever have before. Thank you so much - I can't wait to start The Hidden Hand!" - Ali B. B
The Finding of "Ishmael" and "The Hidden Hand"
Was this house really a part of the Underground Railroad? As I glanced at this house every day while on my way to work, I noticed the date inscribed on the door post - 1807. The house always intrigued me, and the stories surrounding the supposed tunnel that was dug under the street for the slaves made the mystery surrounding its history even more intriguing. Then the day came - the house was to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, and all of it contents!
It was a Saturday and my son said, "Dad, take a look at this book."¯ The spine was missing its stitched binding, and the six-hundred-plus pages were enveloped within an old worn leather cover. "There must be pages missing," I thought. But upon closer inspection, they were all there. I probably wouldn't ever read this voluminous story, but the leather cover was inviting. It would certainly make a nice mantle piece.
The bidding began. "Who will give me fifty cents? A dollar? Two? Sold! For two dollars."¯ I don't know why, but my heart was pounding.
The book set on my bookshelf for two years. The lengthiest book I had ever read was three hundred pages at most. Six hundred? Not a chance. But for some reason, that Christmas vacation the book beckoned me, and I picked it up. I read the preface, and what I read so captured my attention that I knew I had to begin. What was in the preface that so drew me in? It said that this was the best book to have been written in the nineteenth century! What a claim! I was hooked.
As I nestled down to read the first chapter, cradled in my favorite leather chair, with the fire roaring in the fireplace, I knew I had stumbled upon something that may indeed have been the best crafted story in all of the 19th century. I simply could not put it down. I read until 3:00 a.m. the first night, and then took three days off of work to finish the story. It has now been seven years later, and I must say that it still holds as my all-time favorite story. But, that is not the reason I am writing to you.
The reason for this letter is to tell you what happened after I read The Hidden Hand. After completing this on-the-edge-of-your-seat story, I began searching for other stories by the same author, and I found one -Ishmael. As soon as it was in my possession, I began reading and found that this story, though very different than The Hidden Hand, was every bit as captivating. In fact, the day I finished it, I was so inspired that I contacted the county prison and asked if they would like someone to come and share stories that would inspire, instruct, and encourage the prisoners in regard to the cultivation of moral character and a life of excellence. There must have been a "hidden hand"¯ working behind the scenes because they invited me to start at 7 that evening. It often takes years for this kind of door to open. Inmates still write about how deeply they were moved by the stories they heard. Lives continue to be changed and it is all because of a life lived well through the true story of Ishmael Worth.
Now, seven years and hundreds of letters later, we hear from prisoners, teens, teachers, and parents about two books they consider to be in the Wordcrafter's Hall of Fame - The Hidden Hand and Ishmael. Oh, one more thing -there is a sequel to Ishmael. I almost had a nervous breakdown when I began reading the last paragraph in Ishmael, only to find out that I needed to find the sequel that had been out of circulation for over one hundred and fifty years! But I found it!
View other books by this author: Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth
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ishmael |
| Its such an wonderful book. Its one of my favorites. its on my Christmas list and the sequl. |
| - anthony siegrist, IA |
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Best Book I Ever Read |
| This is the best book I have ever read. It was a hartwarming story that changed my perspective on many different things. |
| - Jordynn Darling, CA |
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Filled with Suspense and detailed Characterization, a rare find! |
| This book is simply the BEST book I have ever read. I now just finished reading it a second time and I couldnt put the book down for even one minute! I would recommend this splendid book to anyone in an instant. I am fifteen years old, and the book has inspired me to live a life of honesty, respect, and trustworthiness. I will treasure the memory of this fascinating story forever.Besides the unfailing honesty of Ismael, the thing that strikes me most about this book is Southworths excellent use of Characterization and Plot, which is a wonderful help to an inspiring artist such as myself. If I ever have a chance to share my writing with the world, I hope that I will be able to convey my faith and my values with as much conviction and eloquence as Southworth did in this engaging novel. |
| Robert Cavazos |
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Amazing story |
| I chose this book to read aloud to my daughters, husband, and my In-Laws, who live nearby. Every Wednesday night we would gather together in great anticipation of what would happen next in Ishmael Worths incredible life. I cant tell you how many nights I would finish the last chapter of the evening, only to be begged by people ranging in age from 10 to 59 to PLEASE read one more! Its that good. An all time favorite Lamplighter book and a beautiful picture of Gods purpose being brought about, under any circumstance. |
| - Stephanie R., 31, IL |
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Life Changing |
| This book changed my life and that of my daughters. The most important lesson she learned from this book is that though we are sinners, we should always work toward honoring God in all situations... we should always strive to have a blameless conscience before God and before man. Acts 24:16 |
| - Emmy, SC |
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One to Savor |
| Ishamel is without a doubt, high on my list of all time favorite reads. If you have ever read a book that you just did not want to end, this is the book for you. After reading Ishmael, I hesitated to begin the sequel, Self Raised, because I just did not want the experience to end. So instead, I read Les Miserables another all time favorite. My daughter remarked Mom, who does THAT! You see I just did not want my time with Ishamael to come to a close. This is one of the most inspiring characters in all of literature. Oh to have a heart like his. To capture, even for a moment, his integrity, honor and goodness. Everyone needs a mentor. Indeed - everyone needs an Ishmael in their life! |
| - Nicole Kawawaki, WA |
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An amazing book! |
| This is a truly wonderful book!! You must read read it! Be sure and read the 2nd book too! It has many great Christian values! |
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This book changed our lives |
| As I read this book, I longed for a child of Ishmaels character. I also listened to Mark Hambys audios, and realized that God needed to do a work in my heart as well as my childs. I have gone from recoiling from my child, to being moved to tears at the work that God has done in him. He is now displaying an attitude and work ethic like that demonstrated by Ishmael. I, like Hannah Worth, was able to have compassion for the circumstances under which my child was born. He, too, was unable to experience the love of his birth parents, and God was calling me to demonstrate love to him as He called Hannah to demonstrate love to Ishmael. While we both still have flaws, this is only a work that the Lord could have done. Thank you, Lamplighter! |
| VA |
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Another great book! |
| I am not a reader and English being my second language made things that much more difficult. But since reading The Hidden Hand and now finishing Ishmael, I can honestly say that I am in love with reading! Its exciting looking up new words and learning and enjoying it at the same time.
I plan on using these in my curriculum once my children are older.
Thank you so much for these wonderful books. Im currently reading Self-Raised. |
| - Anita, MI |
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I cant tell you how much I loved this book. |
| I cant even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! It was one of the best Ive ever read. I got so caught up in the story and so attached to the characters that I was actually depressed when it was over. |
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