The High Calling

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The High Calling is a 1951 American novel by James Street. It is the sequel to The Gauntlet and continues the story of Baptist minister London Wingo. Street based the book on his own experiences as a preacher. It was published by Doubleday and has 308 pages.

Plot
The story unfolds twenty years after The Gauntlet. After his wife’s death, Reverend London Wingo and his daughter return to their former parish in Linden, Missouri. There, they face new romantic and church-related challenges as they rebuild their lives.

Reception
When it was first published, The High Calling received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its warmth and the portrayal of a sincere man of God, noting that it could appeal to readers of various faiths. Some reviewers, however, felt it didn’t measure up to The Gauntlet and criticized its ending as abrupt or unlikely. The book was seen as readable and well-constructed. A film adaptation was optioned, but no movie was ever made.

Publication details
- Author: James Street
- Publisher: Doubleday
- Publication date: 1951
- Pages: 308
- Preceded by: The Gauntlet
- Setting: Linden, Missouri, United States

Legacy
The High Calling is recognized as an early example of Christian-themed fiction and is sometimes cited in discussions of the genre.