This book is a fascinating look at 21 lesser-known missionaries, mostly from the 19th century. It is actually an edited reprint of Lambert's original book, printed in 1912. The editing was done to update the language to make the stories more readable. Also, a brief biographical sketch was added prior to each account.

One neat thing is that the book is arranged geographically: Asia, Africa, America, and the South Pacific. So if you are studying geography, you can readily find a story in the area, if not the specific country, being studied. The stories are also short enough they can be read out loud in one sitting. Last but not least, the stores are very interesting and offer a fascinating look at life in primitive conditions.

I would caution, however, that even though the style has been updated, it is still formal. The stories include some advanced vocabulary that might be difficult for a younger child to read on his own. Also, the missionaries' difficulties are not glossed over or ignored. There are no graphic details, but some instances of torture and death are mentioned. So if you have young children, you may wish to read each story beforehand.

I do recommend this book for children and adults. It would be ideal for a devotion time at the beginning of each day.

Product review by Nancy Wagner, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2006