The Origin and History of Missions containing faithful accounts of the Voyage, Travels, Labours and Successes of the various Missionaries who have been sent forth to evangelize the Heathen. Compiled from authentic Documents forming a complete missionary repository.
Boston: S. Walker & Lincoln & Edmonds, 1832. Hardcover. Presentation copy from Choules to Rev. Dr. Welch with his book plate. A handsome work done to a very high standard - the steel engravings are by various New York craftsmen. The book describes the work of four different missionary societies: the Moravians' mission to Greenland, the West Indies, to North & South America, Labrador, S. Africa, Asiatic Russia & unsuccessful missions; the English Baptists' mission to Bengal, Burma, Orissa, Hindoostan, SE Asian islands & Jamaica; the London Missionary Society's work in the South Sea Islands, Africa, India & S. America; the Church Missionary Society's work in W. Africa, Australasia, India, Ceylon, N. America, the West Indies & Mediterranean.
The missions of the South Seas (p332-402, map & 2 plates) covers largely Tahiti, but includes Tonga & the other islands. Although New South Wales & New Zealand are covered in the section on the Australasian mission (p576-586 & 2 plates) the work is not recorded in Ferguson. O'Reilly & Reitman, Bibliographie de Tahiti no. 7590 cites a London 1825 work with a similar title, but different plates; this title is not listed. NUC BU 2400-565.
Plates include Marsden spending his first night with the New Zealanders; View of Calcutta; Rev. Campbell in S. Africa; High Priest of Tahiti ceding the district of Matavai to Capn. Wilson for the Missionaries; Settlement of Gnadenhuellen. Royal 4to, 1 volume of 2, which was published later. (i) & x& xl & 41-622pp. Engraved title page, frontis & 18 engraved plates and maps, a fine wide margined copy. Orig. papered boards & spine, title label on spine. Spine chipped, covers detached. Good + overall. Item #5331
Price: $250.00