Forty-two years amongst the Indians and Eskimo : pictures from the life of the Right Reverend John Horden, first Bishop of Moosonee

A series of letters, journals and sketches from a 19th‑century missionary bishop brings the remote world of the Canadian north to life. The narrative begins with his first voyage to Moose Fort, where he and his wife set out from England and confront a harsh climate, unfamiliar customs and the challenge of learning Cree and Inuit languages. Through vivid detail he describes the river‑borne trade, the rhythm of seasonal travel, and the everyday rituals of the people he serves.

The voice is intimate and unpretentious, offering concrete snapshots of clothing, food, sledges and village gatherings, while also sharing the quiet resolve that sustained his work. Readers hear the echo of his motto—“The happiest man is he who is most diligently employed about his Master’s business”—as he balances prayer, perseverance and practical problem‑solving. The collection offers a rare window into early missionary life, northern trade, and the enduring human connections formed far from civilization.