It’s taken me far too long, but I have finally gotten the answer for the readers who want to obtain John L. Edwards’ excellent An In Depth Study of Marriage & Divorce.
The book is out of print, but Br. Edwards has plenty of books on hand that he’s glad to sell for $12 plus shipping.
He can be reached by mail at —
John Edwards
2068 South Broadway Ave
Springfield MO 65807
or by phone at 417-882-2007. (Yes, I have his permission to give out the number. He’d enjoy a call from those who appreciate his work.)
Br. Edwards is retired and 91 years old. The cost of shipping varies with the number of books ordered — so order a lot and save money!
UPDATE: Br. Edwards passed away January 13, 2013. His passing received no mention in the Church of Christ press, but John’s book has been the largest influence in the Churches of Christ to take us away from a legalistic view of divorce and remarriage. He helped point us toward the true meaning of the teachings of Jesus and Paul within a gospel of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He deserves to be remembered very well indeed.
My understanding is that his widow is still glad to accept book orders and enjoys calls from readers who wish to learn John’s teaching on divorce and remarriage.
SECOND UPDATE: Br. Edwards’ wife, I am told, predeceased him and his supply of books is exhausted or very nearly so.
If anyone knows how to reach his children, I would love to contact them regarding obtaining the rights to his book so it could continue to be made available.
Jay, I was in contact off and on with Br Edwards since 1991. His wife predeceased him. He used to sell me cases of his book. The last we spoke was shortly after his wife passed and he only had one case of books left at that time. He split it with me. I have a few copies left that I hand out and I see today that there are 3 used copies for sell on Amazon. I think we should track down his son and ask him if he will put this back into print. Maybe print on demand or an e-file we could all download. It’s worth a try!
Ann,
Thanks for the update — and I agree. If his family would permit, I’d certainly help get the word out regarding the availability of his book on Amazon.
Thank you Jay. I don’t know his children’s names, but I assume we can find them through one of the churches he preached at that I believe are mentioned in his book somewhere.
I personally would like to have access to an e-file on bro. Edwards work, and I know of at lest four others who are interested in my circle of friends.
Kelly,
I’ve reached out to his family to obtain rights to republish or post the book, but to no avail.
Well I wonder why Jay was not able to obtain the rights to republish the book? I wonder if we got the information to them, if they would let Book Baby publish it? Jay, if you see this post, please call me at 214-326-4466. Maybe we can get something worked out. I still have a letter from John. I love to read it and know that he is there waiting for us.
Well good people, it has been more than a year and I guess bro. Edwards’ book is is still out of print. What a shame, I have heard it was a great teaching tool. An elder at the church where I worship had two copies and let people use them, they were never returned. I will continue searching the the web for a copy, used / electronic / new, wish me luck or blessings it would be a blessing to get my hands on a copy.
Cutles Porter
Cutles,
I Share your frustration. We’ve reached out to his family and offered to handle obtaining reprints and have received no response. And due to the copyright laws, can’t proceed without consent.
I’ve posted my own book on divorce and remarriage. It adopts most of Br. Edwards’ arguments but adds materials based on newer research and responses published to Edwards’ original. /books-by-jay-guin/but-if-you-do-marry/