Christian Focus

… goes well beyond a simple biographical statement of his life, but thoroughly sets him and his missionary work in the church, social, and cultural context of his time, both in the Scotland, and in China. This is a must read for anyone interested in missions and Christianity in East Asia.

James H. Grayson , Professor Emeritus, School of East Asian Studies, The University of Sheffield

For the first time in the English language, we finally have a comprehensive retelling of the life and work of John Ross, the important Scottish missionary to Manchuria (Northeast China) and Korea (then, the ‘Hermit Kingdom’). This is a meticulously researched and immensely readable book that weaves together the fascinating biography of the man John Ross with the social, religious, and imperial history and context which shaped him and his mission. We are told of the ways he relied on and empowered local Chinese and Korean coworkers in the work of the Gospel, the intellectual contributions he and his collaborators made—not least the first Korean New Testament—and the enduring legacy which has been left behind. This is such a wonderfully captivating read.

Alexander Chow, Senior Lecturer of Theology and World Christianity, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, and editor of Scottish Missions to China (Brill 2022).