The Life of John William Colenso, D.D.
Bishop of Natal

This 1888 biography of the first Bishop of Natal describes his controversial support for Zulu rights and liberal theology.

George William Cox (Author)

9781108032070, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

740 pages, 2 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 4.1 cm, 0.93 kg

The prolific nineteenth-century historian and liberal churchman George William Cox (1827–1902) published this biography of the controversial bishop John William Colenso (1814–83) in 1888. Colenso was appointed the first Bishop of Natal in 1853, and in the next few years he oversaw the completion of the cathedral in Pietermaritzburg and the building of churches in Durban and Richmond, established mission stations and learned Zulu. He was heavily criticised for his tolerance of Zulu practices and for his view that the Old Testament was not literally true. Eventually he was excommunicated, though he retained a loyal following. Cox had accompanied Colenso on his first visit to South Africa in 1853, and remained a fervent supporter of the bishop's work, eventually being nominated (unsuccessfully) as his successor. Volume 2 covers the period from 1865 to Colenso's death, focusing on his support for indigenous rights in the face of colonialist injustice.

1. Return to Natal. 1865–6
2. Teaching in Natal. 'Natal Sermons'. 1865–6
3. The Romilly judgement. Work in Natal. 1867
4. Diocesan and other work. 1868–73
5. 'The Speaker's Commentary'. 1861–74
6. The government of Natal and the Hlubi tribe. 1873
7. Trial and defence of Langalibalele. 1874
8. Last visit to England. The Matshana Inquiry. 1874–5
9. Cetshwayo and Isandhlwana. 1875–9
10. Correspondence and work. 1879–80
11. Correspondence and work. 1880–3
12. The evening of his life and work. 1882–3
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]