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Written by Gordon, identified on the title page as “The Oldest Missionary,” this substantial 19th-century work documents approximately thirty years of United Presbyterian missionary activity in India from 1855–1885. It combines institutional history with Gordon’s personal recollections, providing a firsthand period perspective on missionary life, religious work, travel, communities, and conditions in India during the British colonial era.
The book is especially notable for its visual content, with the title page stating “With Forty Illustrations.” It also retains the portrait of Andrew Gordon with his facsimile signature, “Yours sincerely, Andrew Gordon.”
The original decorative cloth binding features an embossed map of India incorporated into the cover design, with “OUR INDIA MISSION” prominently displayed across the map. The spine retains gilt lettering and decorative ornamentation. Decorative patterned endpapers are also present.
Condition: This is an original 1886 antique volume showing age and use. The cloth has rubbing, discoloration, spotting, and wear, particularly around the spine and extremities. There is visible wear/fraying at the upper spine, and the interior shows expected toning and scattered foxing/spotting. The hinges and binding should be reviewed carefully in the photographs for their exact condition. No claim of completeness beyond what is shown in the photographs.
A fascinating 19th-century primary-source history of American Presbyterian missionary activity in India, combining thirty years of historical documentation, personal reminiscences, forty illustrations, and an attractive map-decorated Victorian binding.
Your book will be carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely. Please review all photographs, as they are considered part of the description.
