In 1925, aged twenty-six, Elsie Cuthbertson sailed for China to become a missionary, inspired by David Livingstone's In Darkest Africa.

Forever accompanied by a crowd of curious onlookers, she toured her country circuit, teaching the Chinese people about childcare and hygiene, as well as administering medical treatment when needed. Settling into Chinese life with relatively few mishaps, Elsie married fellow missionary Clifford Cook and the couple remained in China with their young children - surviving Communism, Japanese air-raids, anti-Western demonstrations, floods, fires, illness, poverty and hunger - until forced to return to England in 1952 for their own safety.

Raymond Cook, their son, has gathered together this unique collection of letters to provide an evocative first-hand account of life in 20th century China during both war and peace - an essential tool in understanding the country's role on the international stage today.