Polynesian Research: Society Islands

Dust jacket notes: "This book is about the Society Islands - especially Tahiti - in the early nineteenth century. It shows the traditional culture of the Islands amid convulsions of change under the influence of Western culture, the death of old superstitions, customs, and gods. It pictures the warring of Tahitian chiefs and the slow change of their society. It is a rare book now in print for the first time in a hundred years and is indispensable background reading to the events of the time. 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 soon became fluent in the language. He began to keep a record soon after his 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. The book describes King Pomare's retreat from Tahiti, his conversion to Christianity, and his final rise to dominance. Contrary to Tahitian custom, Pomare treats the defeated chiefs leniently, but the temple of the god, Oro, is destroyed and the pagan religion of Tahiti begins its decline. At the same time, black customs such as human sacrifice and infanticide lose strength. A written language is invented and books are published. Polynesian Researches: Society Islands is filled with interesting episodes and fast action. But, more than this, it is a direct, firsthand account. That is its great value and the reason why it is unique."