Polynesian Research: S.i., T.i.,nz

Dust jacket notes: "This famous book describes the Society Islands, the Tubuai Islands, and New Zealand as they were at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It gives a description of the religion, government, law, medical practices, and customs of the Society Islands, and includes an account of the author's visit to the Tubuai Islands and New Zealand. It is a unique record of personal observations of the customs and manners of the Polynesian people. It is a firsthand account by a man who actually lived in the islands, spoke the language, and had daily contact with the people. The Rev. William Ellis, the author, lived in Polynesia as a missionary from 1817 to 1825. He spent much of his time in Tahiti and became fluent in the language. He began to keep a record soon after arrival in order to preserve in writing the institutions of a dying culture. For events before his coming he talked to the missionaries and natives involved, and the rest comes from his personal experience. This book describes the author's stay in the Society Islands and his stops at the Tubuai Islands and New Zealand en route to Hawaii. The time spanned is from 1819 to 1824. During this time the nature of the missionary work in the Society Islands changed as Christianity grew stronger and the native religion weaker. The missionaries took on new duties such as that of doctor and of adviser in writing the first code of laws. The government also changed greatly, but it remained essentially aristocratic. Before returning to England, an opportunity arose for the author to visit other Polynesian islands such as Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rimatara, Rurutu, and New Zealand. This book is filled with interesting incidents, some amusing and some sad. We are glad to make it available again after more than a century out of print."