Wonderful autographed biographies of pioneering missionary, John G. Paton. He was successor to John Williams in the New Hebrides after he had been killed and eaten by cannibals in 1839. It was until John G. Paton and his wife set sail to the islands in 1858 that missionaries would again return to reach them.
Their decision didn't come without criticism. On one account before leaving, a respected elder chided the couple, "You will be eaten by cannibals!" To which Paton responded,
"Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms."
John G. Paton. Missionary to the New Hebrides. An Autobiography. Edited by His Brother. With a Portrait and a Map. Parts I & II [Issued separately; here in matching bindings]. Fleming H. Revell. 1889. 1890. 375 + 382pp.
The first volume is boldly autographed by Paton on the blank ffep, "John G. Paton D.D. Anewa, New Hebrides. 30th June 1893."
Volume one rubbed through at extremities and overall tender with rear hinge interior through and weak. Volume two much better. Volume one has a blind stamp to title and volume two an ex library plate to the pastedown. Still handsome, a rare missionary autograph, and very usable with a bit of care.
MCI