This collection of 15 essays provides a fully developed account of the domestic significance of foreign missions from the 19th century through the Vietnam War. U.S. and Canadian missions to China, South America, Africa, and the Middle East have, it shows, transformed the identity and purposes of their mother countries in important ways.

For more than a century missionaries were the main contact points between the Chinese and American peoples. Here, fourteen contributors studying both sides of the missionary effort, in China and in America, present case studies that suggest conclusions and themes for research.

Missions are an important topic in the history of modern Britain and of even wider importance in the modern history of Africa and many parts of Asia. Yet, despite the perennial subject matter, and the publication of a large number of studies of particular aspects of missions, there is no recent, balanced overview of the history of the missionary moment during the last three hundred years. The British Missionary Enterprise since 1700 moves away from the partisan approach that characterizes so many writers in field and instead views missionaries primarily as institution builders rather than imperialists or heroes of social reform. This balanced survey examines both Britain as the home base of missions and the impact of the missions themselves, while also evaluating the independent initiatives by African and Asia Christians. Also addressed are the previously ignored issues of missionary rhetoric, the predominantly female nature of missions, and comparisons between British missions and those from other predominantly Protestant countries including the United States. Jeffrey Cox brings a fresh and much needed overview to this large, fascinating and controversial subject.

This study of the evangelization of the Igbos uses archives of the Holy Ghost Fathers in Paris. Prior to 1885 the protestant missions dominated the field, but from that date the Roman Catholic influence was established and the two churches; struggle for mastery is the central theme.

Constantly referenced as a reliable source on the "Nestorian" missionary movement, this historical account of that movement is a necessary volume for anyone interested in the missionary work of the Eastern Church. Stewart's engaging account has remained fresh through the years and remains a standard reference on the topic.

Examines how representatives of evangelical mission societies in Britain and the US sought to introduce Protestant Christianity to Canton, Guadngdong Province, and the Qing-dominated Chinese empire in the decades before the Opium War. Reviews the cultural and political background of the efforts, and focuses on Robert Morrison of the London Missionary and his work in Canton. Adds insight not only into missionary work in China but also the Anglo-American cooperation that led to closer theological and institutional ties. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR