Saga of the Sandwich Islands By Edward B. Scott.
932 pages, over a thousand pictures and illustrations, including a large foldout map of Oahu, and an extensive index and reference notes. A major work; the best documentation of the Hawaiian Islands ever produced. Interesting and descriptive accounts of life in Hawaii from discovery by the Polynesians through first contact with Cook and industrialization of Hawaii to modern times.
11 1/2 Inches by 9 Inches, 2'' thick, Cloth Bound in Very Good Condition.
This is a rare book that began as a plan to publish more than one volume but never progressed beyond "VOLUME I". For more than twenty years the author searched for and selected thousands of photographs, paintings, drawings, and maps that were locked away in archives, libraries and private collections throughout Hawaii, the United States, the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand. Twenty-six thousands hours of meticulous and dedicated historical exploration has resulted in this authoritative photographic documentary of the Hawaiian Islands.
"The Saga of the Sandwich Islands" is a pictorial history of seven kings and a queen. It is a story of a proud, strong Polynesian people moving from an autocratic paganism to Christian methods and faith; the tale of a "Tom Thumb" monarchy, Provisional Government, Republic and Territory all compressed within a brief span of some one hundred and fifty years.
This book provides a visual narrative of fur traders and brigantines, sandalwood and barques, whaling square-riggers and sugar down-easters, of transpacific side-wheelers, ocean liners, inter-island coasters and diminutive "high stackers". It also traces the progress of sugar cane tycoons, pineapple kings, educators, missionaries, scoundrels, historians, adventurers, world celebrities, aviators, writers, artists, politicians, filibusters and the none to common man, all caught up and interwoven with a polyglot mélange of races and colors.
Pictures tell their story authentically. Here the pioneer's skillful hand and camera's discerning eye capture a natural wonder, a historic happening, a glimpse of living now in shadow or forgotten…a cross-section of early island life allowing 'kamaaina' and 'malihini' alike to compartment scenes of yesterday.
From Amelia Earhart to Robert Louis Stevenson, Doris Duke (the Tobacco heiress once married to Cary Grant), Jack London, the "BIG 5" families, the Kings, the Queens, the towns and plantations, EVERTHING in thousands of photographs (many by RAY JEROME BAKER) are covered here.
This is a very well written and a fascinating book, a great collection of archival photographs and engravings. A must have book for every Hawaiian collection.
