Mission, Race and Colonialism in Malawi

A fresh assessment of how mission, race and colonialism intersected in the life of Scottish missionary Alexander Hetherwick, leader of Blantyre Mission in Malawi from 1898 to 1928.

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The first intellectual biography of Alexander Hetherwick, a key figure in Scotland-Malawi relations

Makes extensive use of rarely consulted primary sources, both in Malawi and in Scotland, with particular attention to Hetherwick's prolific correspondence
Includes a fresh account of the dynamics at play in the creation of Malawi as a nation, with special attention to the role played by Scottish missionaries, Hetherwick in particular
Presents a critical examination of the way in which Blantyre Mission both absorbed and resisted the prevailing racism and colonialism of the early 20th century
Presents an appraisal of Blantyre Mission's distinctive philosophy and policy; and of how, under Hetherwick's leadership, it navigated the social, cultural and political challenges of the early 20th century

Mission, race and colonialism were three forces shaping Malawi's history during the early years of the twentieth century. These three found a concentrated meeting point in the life of Scottish missionary Alexander Hetherwick, who led Blantyre Mission from 1898 to 1928. This book presents a fresh assessment of this towering figure in Malawi's history, contesting the scholarly consensus that Hetherwick betrayed the early ideals of Blantyre Mission by compromising too much with the colonial system that was in force during his leadership. The book assesses the pervasive influence of colonialism, from which Hetherwick was not exempt, and traces the ways in which he resisted such influence through his relentless commitment to the interests of the African community and the inspiration he found in the emergence of the African church.