ARISTOCRATS OF THE SOUTH SEAS

by Alexander Russell ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 1964

The dream of a South Sea Island paradise is one of the most tenacious romantic ictions around. This author aims to give Polynesia its just historical due with the tory behind the individual island cultures and their traditions. Although Samoans, Tongans, Hawaiians, Tahitians, Marquesans, Maoris, and even the Easter Islanders all escended and emigrated from the ancient isle of Hawaiki (Samoa), they have each developed their own peculiar customs, personalities and lore over the centuries. Some are cultured savages, others outright cannibals. Highly complex art and religion or total absence of same, ""tapus"" and tattoos- it is all Polynesia. In a casual story-telling manner, this seemingly haphazard collection of history, lore and legend fails the end to separate the different cultures. Like many ""exposes"", it seems intent on preserving just what it proposes to expose. Not for experts, the reader would have to interested in that ocean and, of course, a dreamer. Factual grist for the escapist's .

Pub Date: March 3, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Roy

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION