From Woolloomooloo to 'Eternity': A History of Australian Baptists

"Writing Baptist history demands attention both to local congregations and wider networks. Dr. Manley's magisterial and lively history of Australian Baptists from 1831-2005 deals admirably with that challenge and sets new standard for the writing of denominational history. Careful attention is given to the variety of ways in which Baptist identity has been embodied. Achievements and failures are dealt with clearly and empathetically. This is a history which demands to be read within and beyond Australia."

--Ian Breward, Senior Fellow,

History Department,

The University of Melbourne



"Ken Manley tells a good story which is well supported by intensive research. The narrative and analysis both benefit from the skills of a mature scholar who always contexts the particular within the wider context and develops the theological significance of the history he is exploring. Whilst, in part, the story reflects the development of Baptist life in Britain, Manley makes clear from the very beginning the distinctively Australian elements of antipodean Baptist life as they developed within the several different colonies."

--John H. Y. Briggs, Senior Research Fellow

in Ecclesiastical History and Director

of the Centre for Baptist History and Heritage,

Regent's Park college, University of Oxford



"This is an extraordinary treatment of an important Baptist community, one that is informative, insightful, balanced and, above all, inspiring. Ken Manley, the Nestor of Baptist historical scholarship in a nation blessed with many fine historians, has given us an eminently readable account of the Australian Baptists and their place in the larger Christian community. It is 'must reading' for all those interested in Baptist history."

--Richard V. Pierard, Stephen Phillips

Professor of History, Gordon College,

Wenham, Massachusetts