Twelve months in Madagascar
"Twelve Months in Madagascar" by Joseph Mullens is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work details the author's extensive travels across Madagascar during a pivotal period of religious revolution on the island, where the conversion to Christianity was profoundly influencing the local culture and society. Mullens offers insights into the people, their customs, and the burgeoning Christian churches that were taking root amidst the backdrop of historical change. The opening of the narrative introduces the author's motivations and experiences as part of a delegation sent to Madagascar. It outlines the dramatic events surrounding a religious shift led by the Queen, who decisively turned away from traditional idol worship to embrace Christianity, leading to the burning of idols and a significant revival in the faith among her people. This section captures Mullens's anticipation as he recounts the preparations for the journey, discusses the various locations he aimed to visit, and hints at the myriad encounters and observations that would follow throughout the trip, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of Madagascar's landscape, culture, and religious developments.