Polynesian Researches during a Residence of Nearly Six Years in the South Sea Islands

British missionary William Ellis (1794–1872) preserved vivid, invaluable accounts of indigenous Polynesian life in this two-volume work, published in 1829.

William Ellis (Author)

9781108065399, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 November 2013

602 pages, 13 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3.4 cm, 0.76 kg

From humble origins, and trained by the London Missionary Society in theology, printing and rudimentary medicine, William Ellis (1794–1872) sailed for the Society Islands in 1816. He found himself at the cusp of major cultural change as Western influences affected the indigenous Polynesians. During his time there, Ellis became a skilled linguist and able chronicler of the traditional yet rapidly shifting way of life. He succeeded in capturing vivid stories of a leisured people who, without written language, had developed a rich oral tradition, social structure and belief system. Published in 1829, this two-volume collection proved to be an important reference work, notably for its natural history; it soon accompanied Darwin aboard the Beagle. In Volume 2, Ellis moves between Huahine and Raiatea, giving further background on the existing customs and polytheistic rituals, contrasted with the introduction of Western religion, dress, schools, housing, medicine and law.

1. Voyage to Raiatea
2. Origin of the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands
3. General state of society
4. Schools erected in Huahine
5. Improved circumstances of the females
6. Public assemblies during the week
7. Station at Maeva
8. Description of Polynesian idols
9. Increased desire for books
10. Former diseases in the islands comparatively few and mild
11. General view of a Christian church
12. Government of the South Sea Islands
13. Power of the chiefs and proprietors of land
14. Pomare's proposed restrictions on barter
15. Promulgation of the new code of laws in Huahine
16. Visit from the Windward Islands
17. Singular custom of the chiefs in marching to battle
18. Arrival of the deputation at Tahiti
19. Voyage to Borabora.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]