Memoirs of Childhood and Youth (Albert Schweitzer Library) Hardcover – Illustrated, June 1, 1997

Beautiful story about a special human being. A book that all children should read at about 10-11 years of age depending on maturity. Great values in general to live a productive, "happy" and fulfilling life. I read a similar book to my three children that was suited for them at a younger age, but could not find it; yet this is little more comprehensive suited for young readers. We, as parents, have to fight the ugly culture of selfishness that surrounds our children from different areas of life -- this is a good influence. My adult children remember to this day the profound message derived from this splendid book. Were anyone to inquire, "who is your foremost historic hero, as difficult to answer given some of our founding father's name that comes to mind, or great political figures and names of scientists who have cured diseases, I come up with DR. ALBERT SCHWEITZER.

As I began to read "Albert Schweitzer-The Man and His Mind," I ordered this book in hopes of filling in some of the details quickly covered in that excellent biography. Finding the book short I read it quickly and was much surprised. Not only did it contain early stories that foretold his great spirituality and achievements, but it revealed the brilliant literary mind and its ability to condense profound thoughts simply so that within 13 pages of completion the deepest philosophy on life, achievement and so on is covered as if intentionally slowing your mind in order to accept his life-time wisdom in the greatest economy of words. Schweitzer takes you off to other areas of curiosity. I look forward to reading his sermons and his thoughts on civilization that may equal the literary quality of Churchill, another 20th Century figure of note, but Schweitzer leaves him behind in his theological scholarship.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I try to read it at least once every year as it renews my faith in humanity.A wonderful read. I highly recommend it!

Eloquently written, this small book is packed with stories and wisdoms that shaped this great man's life. One particular chapter on gratitude struck a chord in my own life as he wrote of remorse of not being able to thank those teachers and mentors that had passed on. Schweitzer's life was an example of supreme service to mankind, and he coined the words "Reverence for Life" which spearheaded a movement to remember that all life is sacred. This book will burn a desire in the reader's heart to live life with greater awareness and gratitude for all people with whom we come in contact.

In order to fully understand the philosophy of Reverence For Life to its full meaning one must understand the man behind the legend that is Albert Schweitzer. This book gives us a glimpse of a youthful Schweitzer from his humble beginnings in Gunsbach. As this Nobel laureate reminisces about his childhood days he reveals the poignant moments that forever shaped one of the most brilliant minds of the last century. Delightful and readable, Memoirs is a treasured classic among those who study the great philosophers. I highly recommend this book for all ages but particularly for youth as a starting place for Schweitzer study- you won't be disappointed!

Easy to read and well worth the money. Charming.