THE PARKER RANCH OF HAWAII

by Joseph Brennan ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1974

Roping wild cattle under the porcelain-blue skies of Hawaii. . . Hawaii? This is the history of a vast legendary cattle ranch and the six generations of the Parker family that developed it. Today, covering over 225,000 acres (600 miles of fencing), the ranch is the largest privately owned one in the States (the King Ranch of Texas is a corporation). Brought by British sailors, the first cattle arrived on Hawaii in 1794 and were taboo to eat, and before long mavericks ran wild everywhere, growing quite vicious with their sharp horns. Young John Parker of Massachusetts jumped ship there in 1809 and fell forever in love with Polynesia. John married a Hawaiian princess, took up shooting wild cattle, selling salted beef to passing ships. Soon teetotaler Parker was dreaming of a dynasty. Parker family history is one of exotic fascination and the lure of sex in glorious weather; tragic moments, financial setbacks; and the buildup of the ranch's present spread, all told in a drift of geraniums and dreaming winds.

Pub Date: July 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: John Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION