Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niué and Tonga

Name: Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niué and Tonga
Author: Basil Thomson

By Basil Thomson

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Archaeology & Anthropology History - Other Travel Writing

About This Book

An account of a sojourn in Niue and Tonga records observations made during visits and travels among island communities, combining descriptive geography and vivid portrayals of daily life with reports on native governance, legal tribunals, Christian missionary influence, ceremonial pageantry, and local customs. Chapters trace journeys across islands, meetings with rulers and ministers, episodes of entertainment and law, and historical and ethnographic notes; an appendix treats Tongan music and the volume includes numerous illustrations. The narrative blends travelogue, administrative reporting, and anthropological sketch to present colonial-era encounters and the social, religious, and political fabric of the islands.

About the Author

Basil Thomson

Basil Thomson was a British author and ethnographer known for his vivid accounts of life in the South Pacific. His works often explore the cultures and customs of island communities, reflecting his deep interest in anthropology and travel. Notable among his writings is "Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niué and Tonga," which provides insights into the daily lives and traditions of the people he encountered. Thomson's other significant works include "Queer People" and "The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom," which further illustrate his commitment to documenting the complexities of Pacific island societies. His narratives combine personal experience with scholarly observation, contributing to the understanding of cultural change in the region.