The book projects the rich heritage of Indian Christianity covering a vast period of first to the twenty-first century. The author has a meticulous projection in detailing the historical scenario by selecting and describing the most significant events, the key figures and developments in the history of the church in India.  An important contribution of this book is that instead of beginning with the so-called 'great traditions'- those of the elite hierarchical, and the professional officialdom of the church, the author looks at the 'little tradition'. This is what he means by the alternate reading. In this book one will find references to sources that reflect expressions 'from " below'. • This historiography from below pays attention to the empirical data drawn from participants in the drama. It acknowledges — the complexity of Indian Christianity and honours the multiple 4, cultural identities of the church in India. 

The book is clearly written in a readable style and makes a valuable resource for teachers and students of church history, and for all those who are interested in learning about the Indian Church. Dr. Hedlund is a missiologist, a teacher and a writer. He came to _— India in 1974 as a .ssiologist and a teacher to teach at Union Biblical Seminary, Yava.al. Since then, there has been no looking back. He started the Church Growth Research Centre, and was responsible for initiating the Church Growth Association in India. At present, Dr. Hedlund is the Director of the MIIS, which is a direct outgrowth of the Church of Indigenous Origin project, to initiate the study of Indigenous Christianity as a field for academic research in Indian Universities and Colleges. In 1961, he married Thea June List. They have two children: Karl and Lisa; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The Hedlunds live now in California.