Things as They Are

This edition of Amy Carmichael's evocative account working as a missionary in rural India includes the original and evocative photographs and imagery of India's people and environment.

Written at the opening of the 20th century, this stunning book charts the journey made by Carmichael and her company into the depths of rural India. There they encountered the poor and dispossessed, whom they set about converting to Christianity. While reactions ranged from receptive to hostile, the journey itself was an illuminating one: the manner of the local traditions, the behaviour of the natives, and the atmosphere of Southern India all impressed deeply upon Carmichael. 

The book itself was endorsed by many Christian ministers of the era, who found the frank and open accounts Amy Carmichael committed to the pages illuminating. No attempt is made to hide or whitewash the hardship and difficulty the poor suffered, or of the widespread devotion to the Hindu faith which had existed there for thousands of years. 

During her travels, Carmichael encountered many tribal and other groupings which differed from one another. Sure to photograph the most interesting when permitted, it is thus that this book carries historical value - many of the groups Carmichael encountered today no longer exist, or are diminished in status. 

Things as They Are is thus an underappreciated and historic work, for its eye-opening and moving accounts of Christian missions and the poverty suffered in India.