Books matching: polynesian culture
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"Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia" by Christina Thompson is a captivating exploration of Polynesian origins and culture, delving into the mysteries of how these islands were populated by a common people despite being widely dispersed. Thompson's writing style is described as compelling and comfortable, making history, adventure, and unsolved mysteries engaging for readers. She details modern attempts to recreate ancient voyages using techniques passed down through oral legends, providing a fascinating and juicy version of Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki.
IF YOU WERE to look at the Pacific Ocean from space, you might notice that you would not be able to see both sides of it at the same time. This is because at its widest, the Pacific is nearly 180 degr...Joan Druett's 'Tupaia: Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator' is a gripping account of the long-forgotten Tahitian priest, diplomat, and navigator who played a crucial role in guiding Captain Cook across the Pacific. The book beautifully portrays Tupaia's life as a Polynesian leader who sailed with Cook on the HM Bark Endeavour, shedding light on the encounter between western European civilization and Polynesian culture. Druett's writing style brings Tupaia to life, charting new waters in maritime history and providing a rare glimpse from a native perspective into the historical encounter.
The narrative of 'Tupaia: Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator' is not just about Cook's first voyage into the Pacific but also explores the earlier interactions between British sailors and Tahitian natives. The book delves into the complexities of cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and attempts to bridge the gap of incomprehension between the two worlds. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Druett paints a vivid picture of Tupaia's intelligence, character, and his efforts to prevent conflicts, despite Cook's dismissal of his local knowledge. The book highlights the importance of Tupaia's role in British exploration and the tragic consequences of cultural superiority assumptions.
WHEN TUPAIA REACHED the age of twelve, there were further rites to come—tatau and tehe. In the first, a well-paid practitioner used charcoal to mark a pattern on his skin, tapped it in with a stick ar...- #3
Save:Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry is a coming-of-age story about a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu who is afraid of the sea due to a traumatic experience with his mother. Determined to overcome his fear and prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out on a perilous journey in a canoe, facing various challenges like shipwrecks, battles with wild animals, and survival on a deserted island. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery through the adventures of Mafatu in a Polynesian setting, offering a blend of survival narrative and fable-like storytelling that captivates readers with its vivid descriptions and moral lessons.
It happened many years ago, before the traders and missionaries first came into the South Seas, while the Polynesians were still great in numbers and fierce of heart. But even today the people of Hiku... - #4
Save:The Hands of the Emperor is a sprawling fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and immersive world-building. The story revolves around Cliopher Kip, a man from a distant island chain, who rises to become the Emperor's right hand. Through themes of friendship, political change, and cultural differences, the book explores the impact of inclusivity, integrity, and reform in a corrupt government. The writing style is described as warm, practical, and character-driven, focusing on relationships, self-discovery, and creating a fair and peaceful world through competence and compassion.
Of course, Cliopher mused as he looked up from his reports to see the Vangavaye-ve suddenly there below him, that was being generous. He was from so very far away from Solaara that every other method ... - #5
Save:Typee by Herman Melville is a novel based on the author's experiences when he jumped ship from an American whaling vessel and found himself in the Marquesas Islands. The book presents a narrative of being held by a cannibal tribe, the Typee, and offers a detailed look at island life through the eyes of the protagonist. Melville's writing style combines themes of peace, beauty, and sensuality with a critique of Western intruders, creating a nuanced portrayal of the earthly paradise that gradually turns into a tale of dread, loneliness, and fear.
Six months at sea! Yes, reader, as I live, six months out of sight of land; cruising after the sperm-whale beneath the scorching sun of the Line, and tossed on the billows of the wide-rolling Pacific—... - #6
Save:'Hawaii' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that covers the history of Hawaii from its formation by volcanic forces to its induction as a State in 1959. The book delves into the arrival of the original inhabitants from other Polynesian islands, the influence of American missionaries and merchants, and the immigration of Chinese and Japanese to work on the sugarcane and pineapple plantations. Through a large cast of characters, the novel portrays the rich Polynesian culture being impacted by various external influences over the years.
The writing style of James A. Michener in 'Hawaii' is praised for its attention to detail, thorough research, and ability to present a vast historical span in a digestible fashion. The author's intricate storytelling weaves together the lives of different characters, showcasing the interconnectedness of the island's history and the diverse cultural influences that shaped Hawaii over the years.
MILLIONSUPONMILLIONS of years ago, when the continents were already formed and the principal features of the earth had been decided, there existed, then as now, one aspect of the world that dwarfed al... - #7
Save:Omoo by Herman Melville is a sequel to Typee, following the adventures of an American sailor in Polynesia. The narrator escapes from the Typee and boards a whaling ship, encountering a crew of rascals and poor living conditions. The story delves into the mutinous thoughts of the sailors, their eventual arrival in Tahiti, and the exploration of nearby islands. Melville's writing style is described as honest, intelligent, and observant, providing a window into the clash of cultures between Europeans and Polynesians, ultimately leading to the demise of the natives' traditional way of life.
It was in the middle of a bright tropical afternoon that we made good our escape from the bay. The vessel we sought lay with her main-topsail aback about a league from the land, and was the only objec... - #8
Save:'The Wayfinders' by Wade Davis explores the various ways different cultures found their way in the world, showcasing examples from Aborigines practicing environmental stewardships for tens of thousands of years to Polynesian navigators becoming human supercomputers to find land across the vast Pacific Ocean. Davis delves into the fragility of culture, noting the rapid loss of languages and traditions, and emphasizes the importance of culture in providing meaning and order to individuals' lives. Through vivid descriptions of diverse cultures spanning centuries and terrains, Davis seeks to answer the question of what it means to be human and alive, illustrating the vitality of human imagination and presenting a rare work of anthropology that is fascinating and beautifully written.
ONE OF THE INTENSE pleasures of travel is the opportunity to live amongst peoples who have not forgotten the old ways, who still feel their past in the wind, touch it in stones polished by rain, taste...
