On the Missionary Trail: A Journey Through Polynesia, Asia, and Africa With the London Missionary Society

by Tom Hiney

Release Date: 30 October, 2000

Edition: Hardcover

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Well-researched story of an epic tour

A story full of anecdotes and tales of the 'great figures' of British legend, like Raffles and Clive of India (not such a great guy after all), the book is full of interest; not for its religious content (though there's obviously a lot of that), but for the way that our two heroes view the cultures that they are trying to enlighten.
At one point we feel that they are almost ready to embrace Buddhism, they are so impressed with the simplicity of their creed and freedom from internal squabbling - unlike their Christian church.
We get insights into the way cultures are developed or destroyed, either by religion, commercial greed or both and how countries bend the rules in order to get a political or commercial advantage - here the British are at their worst in promoting the opium trade, precipitating the war with China.

The book is a nice marriage of the narrative of the two Envangelists and Mr Hiney's well-researched commentary, the two parts blending seamlessly into a very enjoyable read.

A bad book about a sad time

While the born again crowd will no doubt love this book, those who respect cultural and religious diversity will be appalled.