Polynesian Researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands; including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the islands - with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants
by ELLIS, William
- Used
- Condition
- Some light staining around the plates as often, both frontispieces lightly offset onto title-pages; otherwise a fine copy.
- Seller
-
Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
First edition: a handsomely bound copy of one of the most important works on the history and ethnology of the Society Islands, by one of the most perceptive of the missionary travellers in the Pacific. This is 'une des sources les plus abondantes pour l'histoire de l'ancien Tahiti...' (O'Reilly-Reitman). Forbes notes that "there are occasional references and comparisons between Tahiti and the Hawaiian Islands throughout the text, all the more important since Ellis was a resident of both island groups". Robert Southey, who reviewed it on publication, enthused that "a more interesting book we have never perused"
The work begins with Ellis' account of his voyage in which he visited Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, and New Zealand. He was in Tahiti from 1816 to 1822, during which time very little seems to have escaped his notice. A very popular and influential work, its publication 'went far to redeem the character of missionaries in the eyes of those who had thought of them as ignorant and narrow minded men' (Hill). After his time in Tahiti Ellis went on to Hawaii; he published his works on both islands once he was back in England.
. Provenance: Bryan Ricco Cooper (1884-1930), Irish politician, writer and landowner from Markree Castle, County Sligo, Ireland, and descendants; Francis Edwards (London dealer, in 1954); French collector (with knowledgeable note in pencil); Hordern House, Sydney; R. David Parsons (Collector, Atlanta, Georgia).Reviews
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Details
- Bookseller
- Hordern House Rare Books (AU)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 4505213
- Title
- Polynesian Researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands; including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the islands - with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants
- Author
- ELLIS, William
- Book Condition
- Used - Some light staining around the plates as often, both frontispieces lightly offset onto title-pages; otherwise a fine copy.
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- Fisher, Son & Jackson
- Place of Publication
- London
- Date Published
- 1829
- Note
- May be a multi-volume set and require additional postage.
Terms of Sale
Hordern House Rare Books
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About the Seller
Hordern House Rare Books
About Hordern House Rare Books
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- New
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- Morocco
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