Oceania Books

This is a great book about the Haitian Revolution it is different essay about this revolution impact on other nations in the Atlantic World. It not only gives various historians thoughts and ideas but a more rounder view of what this revolution really did for the atlantic world.

Like most of the recent work of David Geggus, this book provides a good frame work and introduction for a much-needed academic study of the Haitian Revolution and it's world-wide impact.

if you are moody, cause winter is around, then you have to read this book, you will feel the sun, ocean breez, friendly people, more than your expactation. even I only have chance to read in Chinese version, but I can feel so touching and travel with the writter at same time, such as flying through storm and leave my heart on those beautiful south pacific Island. so, please sit tight, relax, and go......

Thanks for Gavin Bell for introducing me to Robert L. Stevenson. This book is so fasinacting. Everytime I read this book, I feel like I am surrounding by the ocean, palm trees, moonlight, friendly people...How much I wish I could be there. I don't have money to go there but Mr. Bell satisfies my dream. Now I start to get into Robert L. Stevenson. I have recently read a book about Fanny Stevenson, she is such an incredible woman. Now I am reading In Search of Tusitala in Chinese, I have been looking the English version and I have not found it yet. I hope it will be reprinted soon. If you have not read this book, you are missing a lot.

If you read only one "South Seas" book from the 1920s back, this should be the one. This Penguin issue corrects a number of inaccuracies from previous editions, including Stevenson's own error in their departure date (!) It is the classic travel and observation book of the Pacific. The early descriptions of the Marquesas are unmatched, as are the accounts of the several islands they visited in Kiribati (Gilbert Islands). The account of Tem Binoka will give you a real eye opening into an absolute ruler and his ways in the late 19th century. Reading this could start a life long interest in Pacific literature.

In his book, In the South Seas, Stevenson gives an accurate and in depth look into the people and culture of the islands of the South Pacific. The book describes Stevenson's two year journey from the Marqueses Islands, to Tahiti, then Honolulu ,and finally Somoa. Stevenson uses the great adventures he experienced and his masterfully writing skills to paint a breath taking view of the islands and thier many beauties.

This book offers important insights into the debate about reciprocity. Weiner provides a great discussion of related social theory besides introducing her insights about reciprocity. An important book.

Annette Weiner does an amazing job with this book. For anyone interested in social relationships and economics, this book is for you. She reinterprets age-old anthropological data (upon which most current anthropology is based) with an entirely new focus. Rather than reciprocity being the foundation of society, the paradox of "keeping-while-giving" is what defines our social and economic lives, our histories, and our ancestries. She's bold and amazingly intelligent -- good work Annette!

Very nice guide book that was easy to carry during our travels. Plenty of information for the price and size. Highly recommend.

The publisher has the bad habit of hiding the names of authors of their compact guides, let me rectify this:

The guide was written by Nicholas Cobb, the splendid color photography was provided by Tim McKenna.

On mere small 121 pages, Cobb's book provides the essential information about the (tragic) history of Tahiti and about the contemporary marvels of its nature, attractions and the hospitality.

McKenna's photography is magnificent and its value cannot be underestimated: Compared to the black and white photography in books from Lonely Planet and Moon Handbooks, with their sometimes abysmal print quality, this travel guide really shines. In its photographic valors and in the quality of print Insight Guides match the best of the breed, including the Eye-Witness DK guides. The charts and maps of the islands are also in color. Without clutter, they really depict well only the important details of interest for a short time visitor.

Of course, 121 pages cannot contain all the information which you might find in David Stanley Tahiti Moon Handbook, thus I would suggest to take Stanley as the primary source of information. However, considering the moderate price, this guide is a most welcome extension and a "must have!" It is current, 2005 edition, compared to 2003 editions of others. Foremost, currently this is probably the only guide about Tahiti written after Marlon Brando passed away. Somehow I do not like to read about a dead person in 'present tense'...

My only regret is that Insight does not provide a larger version of this guide! Maybe they will, I will grab it as well!

I researched Australia for over a year prior to my April 2002 visit there, and I read as many guides and books as I could find. While in Australia I purchased a local behemoth encycledia of the country, thinking that was as good as it gets.

I found the Insight Guide at my local library after I returned, and I am convinced this is THE single book anyone with more than a passing interest in Australia should buy.

The very heavy paper presents the beautiful color pictures in high resolution, and the articles are written in a complete yet entertaining style. Australian artwork highlights the history section. The sites of interest descriptions are entertaining and concise. I actually did not read the last section (travel tips)in depth since I had already returned from my vacation, but even without that section the book would be a great read.

This is NOT the book to carry with you on your vacation - there are plenty of other lighter guides that have more useful trivia like hotels and restaurants. This is the book to read and enjoy before you leave home. It is an excellent overall introduction to the country.

My daughter is beginning to study Australia in her 2nd grade class - I have ordered a copy to let her take to school.

I highly recommend this book. At the very least, check it out of your library to look at the pictures.

A wonderful book show me a beautiful Australia.
I like all of Insight Guide,and this is the best one.
I like Australia,I want living there

I was presented this book as a gift and what a wonderful gift it was. Written in the first-person, the book exemplifies the attitudes of both the Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) and the Nisei (second-generation, American-born Japanese). Each story, written by both well-known individuals and everyday soldiers, tells of a fascinating time in U.S. history. I guarantee that each reader will find at least one individual story that will be forever be ingrained in their minds.

I couldn't put this book down! I bought it as a gift to my daughter's best friend of Japanese Hawaiian descent. I read half before we could giftwrap it! Written in first person, autobiographical chapters, it is easy flowing and deeply personal to each author. The stories portray early 1900s Hawaii history through the nisei WWII experiences. Included, are stories of Hawaiian Japanese family life, pride and shame, commitment and loyalty. Dedicated to Hawaii's unique history, this book is greatly undercirculated in mainland America! Thank you to the Hawaii Nikkei History Editorial Board for sharing these people and their lives! I loved it!

In this gripping and controversial biography, Anne-Maree Whitaker uncovers the role of Joseph Foveaux, a neglected and sometimes unfairly criticised key figure in the colony's development.

The vivid prose plunges the reader into the worlds in which Foveaux moved: the elaborate milieu of parliamentary politics and patronage in London, and the rough and tumble of the colonies of Norfolk Island and New South Wales where he was lieutenant governor.

We meet the irascible William Bligh, the visionary Lachlan Macquarie, leading colonists including John Macarthur and D'Arcy Wentworth and an enormous cast of supporting characters in Britain and the colonies.

"I have never yet met with any Officer...that is more eminently qualified for forming and conducting to maturity and perfection any infant colony committed to his charge," wrote Governor Macquarie in 1810, praising Joseph Foveaux, the man who had presided over the colony of New South Wales since the controversial Governor Bligh was relieved of his duties two years before.

If you saw any of the Sydney during the Olympics, you are sure to find this account of its early years a fascinating revelation. Based on the life of Lieutenant Governor Joseph Foveaux, demonised in Robert Hughes' The Fatal Shore, this book reveals the links and patronage networks which held the British empire together. I liked the way the author in each chapter flung the reader into a physical description of the place where the action happens. And I even found myself caring about Foveaux's successes and setbacks. This is a warm, elegantly written and compelling new departure in Australian historical writing.

This is a pretty damn nice debut. The story Many Many Elephants is probably worth about twenty bucks alone. we're boppin around Southeast Asia to britian and around the world in a hundred and ninety six pages. Bring on the Novel man!

I had almost given up on short stories as a genre, but Adam Lewis Schroeder gives new hope in this collection of stories that are wildly different in location, theme and approach to most other collections I've read, and yet jive with my own experiences as a traveller and as a human being. He avoids the trappings of post-colonial guilt and instead focusses on relationships, memories, experiences and events in ways that made me feel I was there. The novella at the end is wonderful. More, please!

This map is the best in the market for a clear, concise overview of both New Zealand islands.

Very good product. Durable and has the ability to be written on with laminate pens.