Adventures in New Guinea

London: The Religious Tract Society, 1889. A Very Good Hardcover. Very Good/None Issued.

Born in Scotland, James Chalmers was a missionary in New Guinea. He was an early explorer and brought first-hand descriptions of the land and people.

Early Edition. 6 engraved illustrations, including frontispiece. Decorated boards with title in gilt band. Bindings firm. Lower corners rubbed. Previous owner's name on flyleaf; Closed tear top page 192. [last page]. Text clean with light even toning. Occasional minor staining. 192 pages. 16mo; 5.75 inches tall.. Background Information:

James Chalmers was a Scottish-born missionary, active in New Guinea. On 4 January 1866 Chalmers sailed in the missionary ship John Williams to Australia.

Chalmers was initially disappointed to find the island partially Christianized, but soon found there was much work to be done in fighting drunkenness and in directing the natives' energies into wiser practices. He learned the language, did much teaching, and became personally popular.

Chalmers also produced a monthly newspaper. He gained much experience which was to be used in his later work, but he felt a strong urge to devote his life to less-tutored men. In 1877, Chalmers had his desire for pioneering work fulfilled and was sent to New Guinea, then an almost-unknown land. He did a great deal of exploring and gained a detailed knowledge of much of the country and its inhabitants.

REF: OCLC: 8587511; missiology org uk; Trompf 1324.