Savage Island

by Basil Thomson

Overview

Venture into the heart of Polynesia with Basil C. Thomson's "Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niue and Tonga." This captivating journey explores the islands of Tonga and Niue, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the South Pacific. Thomson, a keen observer and skilled writer, provides a detailed account of his experiences, painting a vivid picture of life in this fascinating corner of the world.

More than just a travelogue, "Savage Island" delves into the cultural anthropology of the region, exploring the customs, traditions, and social structures of the Tongan people. First published many years ago, this book continues to resonate with readers interested in Oceania's history and the allure of adventure. Experience the allure of a bygone era in this meticulously prepared print edition, offering a unique window into the history and cultural heritage of Tonga and the surrounding islands.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023359795
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/29/2025
Pages:	132
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.28(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER II AFFAIRS OF STATE MR. LA WES' fears were relieved by the messenger who had carried my invitation to the king at Tuapa. The old gentleman, far from being offended at our choice of Alofi for the meeting, had beamed upon him with his left eye (the right is missing, and it was all he had to beam with), and was already half-way to the royal lodging in Alofi. The other messengers, returning from the more distant villages at intervals during the evening, brought back news no less favourable. Early in the morning persons sent out to reconnoitre reported that men were erecting awnings on the green before the school- house, that the headmen of villages had all arrived, and that His Majesty was being helped into his uniform. Ten was the hour, and on the stroke of the hour Captain Ravenhill landed with the portrait of the Queen, sent from Windsor as a present to the king. The sun was very hot:English uniforms are not built for a thermometer above eighty in the shade, and there was therefore some excuse for our feelings when we walked on to the green and found three men trying to fasten a mat to four stakes planted anyhow in the grass. Half a dozen children were amusing themselves with a running commentary upon how not to rig an awning, and that was all. The hour that we spent in the school-house was the sultriest of my experience, but it was cool and comfortable beside the language that might have clothed our thoughts had Mr. Lawes not been present. That we were impotent made it no better. There were no means of knowing whether the king's unpunctuality was an intentional slight or merely the innate inability of a native to keep an appointment, and there was no certainty that hewould choose to come at all. But although, as the green began to fill with a gay-coloured, chatteri...