In an era that systematically cultivates hostility, the figure of Albert Schweitzer exudes a comforting grandeur. His immense wisdom, his rare physical endurance, his yearning to shape himself into a model of an active Christian where reason does not conflict with his faith, his legendary humanity - these are the gifts of this robust Alsatian, who, if we camouflaged the face of our century to hide its inhumane aspects from future generations, we could place as an emblem at its gate. Everything in his career was clear - but if there was any mystery, it lay in the scope of his spirit: a dynasty of music-loving ancestors and uncles, pastors and teachers with a Samaritan conscience, had bequeathed to his cells the triumph of spirit in its conflict with the senses, so that he found his destiny without hesitation. . . [Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]