Reginald Heber (1783–1826), had for a long time been interested in the Church of England's overseas missions when he was appointed second Bishop of Calcutta in 1823. The diocese had been established only in 1814, and included India, Southern Africa and Australia; Heber's short episcopate involved much travelling around his scattered flock. His widow, Amelia published his Sermons and Narrative of a Journey through the Upper Provinces of India (also available in this series), before writing this two-volume biography, published in 1830 and also containing previously unpublished writings by Heber. Volume 1 focuses on Heber's early life and career, including travels across Scandinavia and Russia, and describes how he became active in literary as well as church matters, publishing poetry and the hymns for which he is now best remembered, and working with the Church Missionary Society. His unfinished History of the Cossaks is included in an appendix.
