The Mabilles of Basutoland by Smith, Edwin W

(Morija: Morija Museum & Archives, 1996) 9991179399. Text facsimile of the Hodder and Stoughton edition of 1939. 8vo; original blue cloth, lettered in silver gilt on spine; pictorial dustwrapper; endpaper map; pp. (viii) + 382, incl. index. Dustwrapper ever so slightly rubbed. Near-fine condition. "The turbulent and heroic years of nation-building in Lesotho during the 19th century provide the backdrop for Edwin Smith's classic biography, The Mabilles of Basutoland, which was first published in 1939. This well written study offers an intimate portrayal of Adolphe and Adèle Mabille, two very noteworthy figures in the development of the rugged mountain kingdom and of her people, the Basotho. Adolphe and Adèle Mabille spent their entire missionary careers at Morija and helped to make it one of the most important centres of national life. Mabille consolidated previous endeavours and extended the work of the mission in many new and fruitful directions. Most importantly, it was at Morija that the Protestant intelligentsia was trained and sent out to take up positions of leadership both in Lesotho and across Southern Africa. It is for this reason that Morija is known as Selibeng sa Thuto, or the Fountain of Learning. Edwin Smith takes us through these times, illuminating the issues of the day, the personalities involved, and the contributions which were made to the growth of the nation and the Protestant church." .