Important early missionary account of the West Indies Williams, Rev. John A Narrative of Missionary Enterprises In the South Sea Islands; Remarks on the Natural History of The Island Origin, Languages, Traditions and Usages of the Inhabitants. London: John Snow, 1843 (Thirty-nine thousand) 8vo (23x15 cm); ix, [1], 2-154 pages double column text. Illustrated with a portrait of the author, a fold out map and 26 engravings (vignettes) on wood (all present). Rebound in full blue leather wit gilt spine title. Condition fair plus/good minus: Spotting, light foxing, finger markings and grubbiness throughout, some repairs and strengthening of the endpapers. New leather binding in very good condition. An important early missionary narrative to the South Seas. Williams was sent by the London Missionary Society to the South Sea Islands in 1816. He established headquarters at Raiatea (Leeward Islands), and conducted missionary tours to the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and neighbouring islands. In November 1839, he was killed by cannibals at Erromanga in the New Hebrides. During his time as a missionary, the author travelled a hundred thousand miles and spent eighteen years in promoting the spread of the Gospels. In this book Williams recounts his intrepid experiences together with details of the natural history, languages and traditions of the South Sea Islands and their inhabitants. "Williams was the most successful missionary of modern times. He acquired the languages and adapted himself to the varying characters of the races he encountered in a manner most remarkable."