Typed Letters Signed. by Bailey, Albert William - 1912–1921

Rhodesia & Angola, 1912–1921. Folio (34.29 cm, 13.5"). [32] pp.; 1 photo..

Large-format album of 16 missives from the Rev. Albert William Bailey (1873–1955), Baptist missionary to Africa and leader of the first attempt to establish a Christian mission among => the Nkoya. The collection opens with a black and white photographic portrait of Bailey, followed by 14 letters variously addressed to his brother, son, and friends, and two typed manuscripts entitled "A Promise Redeemed" (ca. 1914) and "A Shaking Among the Bones" (ca. 1918).
    Along with accounts of his preaching, his school and the students there, his work on => translating the Gospel of John into the Mbunda language, and his day-to-day experiences (including cobra encounters!), the letters include thoughts on mission and church finances, American politics (particularly the presidential election), and crime in New York — as well as an assurance to his son that yes, he had seen crocodiles, although not yet shot one.
    Most of the letters are typed, with handwritten signatures, postscripts, and occasional corrections, while one is entirely handwritten. Two notable running themes are Bailey's unshakable conviction in the importance of his work in Africa, and the complexity of his long-distance relationship with his son (left behind in America with his aunt and uncle), whom he alternately praises and criticizes; one letter acknowledges with sadness and resignation that the beloved but wayward Paul has left the Baptist church in favor of "the Universalists." Overall, this is => a remarkable look at the work of an influential missionary then at his peak. 20th-century mustard-colored leather–covered album; minimal shelfwear. Page sleeves and backings age-toned; one sleeve starting to split from foot of inner margin. Letters age-toned with occasional edge chips. => Unique and fascinating.