My First Mission

Cannon, George Q. (George Quayle), 1827-1901Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

2.9

Word count: 146K words
Chapters: 15

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.My First Mission by George Q. CannonAuthor: Cannon, George Q. (George Quayle), 1827-1901,Language: English, Class: BX: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Christianity: Churches, Church movements, Release Date: Mar 2, 2014

Editor's review

My First Mission is George Q. Cannon's memoir of his early missionary experiences, a first-hand account by a participant in a nineteenth-century American religious movement. The value of such a text lies not in literary polish but in its depiction of a missionary's daily travels, personal interactions, and religious practice in a foreign land, offering a granular perspective on the history and mentality of the relevant religious community. As a public-domain ebook, it is short and plainly written, suitable as supplementary material for courses in religious history or as further reading for those interested in nineteenth-century American religious movements. It is best read within its historical context, with attention to the selective nature of memoir writing. For general readers, it can serve as a case study of how faith shapes individual action rather than an introduction to doctrine.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers and scholars studying the history of nineteenth-century American religious movements
General readers interested in case studies of missionary experience and religious practice
Students needing public-domain English primary sources for course reading
Readers who enjoy autobiographical religious memoirs

Not a good fit for

Readers seeking a systematic study of the relevant doctrinal theory
Readers expecting literary narrative or dramatic plot
Readers with no interest in religious subject matter

Reading tips

Before reading, familiarize yourself with the basic history of the author's religious community, then proceed to the text.
Read the experiences described alongside historical sources from the same period, noting the selective nature of memoir.
Take reading notes, recording daily details of the missionary journey and shifts in the author's mindset.
The English text is short enough to read in two or three sittings; after each, briefly summarize the key points to consolidate understanding.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Is this book a doctrinal work or a personal record of experience?

It is primarily the author's personal recollection of his early missionary experiences, focusing on events and observations rather than systematically expounding doctrine. Readers can see how faith influenced one person's actions and choices, but those seeking to understand the doctrinal system should consult other specialized works.

Can I understand it without knowing the relevant religious background?

Basically yes, since the narrative follows personal experience and is plainly written. However, the book involves a specific religious community and historical context; looking up the author's life and the basic background of his movement beforehand will significantly deepen understanding and help avoid confusing names and events.

Is this book suitable as historical research material?

It can be used as supplementary primary material to help researchers understand the missionary's personal perspective and mindset. But memoirs are subjective and selective, so they should be cross-checked against archives, contemporary newspapers, and other sources, not relied on alone as the sole basis.

Comments

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About the author

Cannon, George Q. (George Quayle), 1827-1901 Author

George Q. Cannon (1827–1901) was an author known chiefly for writing on religious subjects; public information about his life and career is limited. Four of his works are held in this collection, most of them popular introductions to religious figures and classic stories intended for general readers and young people. His representative works include The Latter-Day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young People, which recounts the life of Joseph Smith in a style accessible to younger readers; My First Mission, which has a personal, memoir-like quality and describes early missionary experience; The Life of Nephi, the Son of Lehi; and Book of Mormon Stories. No. 1., both drawing on figures and stories from the Book of Mormon. His writing is generally plain and clearly narrated, emphasizing readability and educational use, and is suitable for readers new to the relevant religious tradition. The numbered, separately published format of Book of Mormon Stories reflects his orientation toward children and beginners.