Genealogie der Malabarishen Gotter.
Genealogy of the Malabar Gods from native writings and letters. Now first published in the original text with notes and explanations by Rev. W. Germann. Madras printed for the editor at the Christian Knowledge Society's Press. 1867
First edition, pp.xii, 288. Text in German, despite the English title. A very good copy bound in contemporary or slightly later half cloth, marbled boards, spine gilt.
COPAC shows only 1 copy, in BL.
Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg (1682 -1719), a Dane based in Tranquebar, is believed to have been the first Protestant missionary in India. He wrote the present work in 1713, intending it as a handbook for his colleagues. The manuscript was sent to Europe for publication but was not well received and criticised by his fellow missionaries, such as A.H. Francke (1663–1727) who had been responsible for Ziegenbalg's appointment, for spreading pagan beliefs in Europe rather than helping missionary aims. Thus the dogma and modus operandi of missionaries was forged, not in aiming to understand other beliefs but in the conviction of the superiority of Christianity.