author

Edward Sell

1839–1932

An Anglican missionary and scholar who spent much of his life in India, he wrote widely on Islam and the Bible and remained active almost to the end of his long life. Best known for The Faith of Islam, he brought firsthand experience in Madras to a large body of religious writing.

1 Audiobook

The Faith of Islam

The Faith of Islam

by Edward Sell

About the author

Born in Wantage, Berkshire, on January 24, 1839, Edward Sell trained at the Church Missionary Society College in Islington and went on to become an Anglican priest, missionary, and orientalist. He spent many years in India, where he served in Madras and became closely involved with the Church Missionary Society.

One important part of his career was his work at the Harris High School for Muslims in Madras, where he served as principal. His long residence in India shaped his writing, especially his studies of Islam. His best-known book is The Faith of Islam (1880), and he went on to publish many more works on Islamic history, religion, and biblical subjects.

Sell officially retired from missionary service in 1923 but stayed in India, continuing both ministry and scholarship. He died in Bangalore on February 15, 1932, and reports from the time note that he was still working on his fiftieth book.