Polynesia: In Early Historic Times - Softcover

Douglas L. Oliver

3.9

10 ratings by Goodreads

9781573061254: Polynesia: In Early Historic Times

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1573061255 ISBN 13: 9781573061254

Publisher: Bess Press, 2002

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Polynesia in Early Historic Times presents a comprehensive and balanced description of major aspects of Polynesian cultures, providing written accounts from European explorers and current writings by archaeologists and anthropologists.

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From Library Journal:

From the time of first contact with European explorers, the South Sea islands of Polynesia have often been depicted as a primitive utopia, spoiled by subsequent European colonization and missionary activity. Oliver (anthropology, emeritus, Harvard and Univ. of Hawaii) has compiled a comprehensive survey of all aspects of Polynesian life and culture up to the time of European "discovery," using information gleaned from accounts by early explorers, anthropologists, and travelers. Oliver begins by relating what is known of the prehistory of the Polynesians, as of their arrival and dispersion among the islands of the South Pacific. He then describes common cultural elements of different groups in tropical and subtropical Polynesia, emphasizing food, material culture, and social organization ranging from the family unit to clans and tribal groups. The temperate-dwelling Maori and Moriori (Chatham Islanders) are covered in separate chapters. Illustrations include drawings and depictions taken from accounts by explorers and adventurers. Though Oliver claims to write for the general reader, his work would have benefited from a glossary of anthropological and cultural terms. Recommended for academic and large public libraries. Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L., CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review:

"Now into his ninth productive decade, Douglas Oliver is the dean of Pacific anthropologists. Throughout his teaching and writing career he has always been a superb synthesizer of Pacific knowledge. Here, he updates us all on the state of our knowledge of Polynesian pre-history - that time horizon where the old ways dropped into dim memory and a new story of mixing and clashing cultures begins. Oliver has not lost his observer's edge or his writing skill. This is an intelligently produced and richly illustrated book about a people who explored a third of the earth's surface before Columbus was even born." - Pacific Magazine"

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