Colenso

Colenso: Letters from Natal arranged with comments by Wyn Rees (Shuter & Shooter, 1958) is a compelling collection of correspondence that illuminates the life and work of Bishop John William Colenso, one of the most influential and controversial figures in nineteenth-century South African history. Through carefully selected letters and insightful commentary, Wyn Rees presents a vivid portrait of Colenso’s years in Natal, highlighting his progressive views on theology, education, and race relations, which often placed him at odds with both church authorities and colonial society.

This edition offers readers an intimate glimpse into the Bishop’s personal reflections and struggles as he navigated the tensions of missionary work, biblical interpretation, and cultural understanding in a rapidly changing colonial landscape. Richly contextualized, the letters capture the intellectual and moral courage of a man ahead of his time—an advocate for justice and compassion in an era of rigid orthodoxy.

An essential addition for historians, collectors, and readers interested in South African colonial history or Anglican thought, Letters from Natal serves as both a scholarly resource and a fascinating narrative of faith, controversy, and humanity in nineteenth-century Natal.