'I preached...in the evening at Pensford, where, I fear, after all the pains we have taken, the generality of the people know as much of religion as the Hottentots'.

Despite regular setbacks like this, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, travelled over 250,000 miles to preach at churches and in the open air. This CD of Wesley's Journals covers his life from his time in Georgia before the beginnings of Methodism until shortly before his death in 1791. They comprise over 2,000 pages, and were originally published in 1793 as a four volume set. This is a facsimile of the fifth edition, which does not have the errors and omissions of some earlier versions.

Although heavy with religious discussion and disagreement, the journals also offer a fascinating account of the journeys made and the reactions of the huge congregations who heard Wesley preach.

£17.45 plus £2.50 postage from S&N Genealogy Supplies Ltd at www.genealogysupplies.com, or by writing to S&N Genealogy Supplies, West Wing, Manor Farm, Chilmark, Salisbury, SP3 5AF.

Review by Bob Lawrence