"Chalmers, a Scot trained by the Lodon Missionary Society, served in New Guinea for twenty-four years, from 1877 to 1901. The early, taxing years at Suau were followed by a triumphant period at Port Moresby, where, as Tamate ('a King with great power'), he was deferred to by both black and white. But later, in the declining years of his life, when he was lonely, ill and depressed, Chalmers had to struggle almost single-handed to evangelize the swamp lands of the Papuan Gulf and the Fly River. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death at Goaribari are discussed and the consequences of his death explored. Chalmers played a central role in the history of New Guinea at a particularly crucial time and much of the history of exploration, first contact, and the imposition of European culture, religion and government is reflected in his career."--Book jacket.