A Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Seas Islands with Remarks Upon the Natural History of the Islands, Origins, Languages, Traditions and Usages of the Inhabitants
London: John Snow, 1841. Octavo. Item #026671
xviii, [ix-x] pp., folding map, 506 pages, Illustrated by G. Baxter with 25 full page wood engravings with the hand colored frontispiece of Tu Po Chief of Rarotonga (which often is lacking). When John Williams arrived at Samoa, there were already a number of crude Christian cults, the Tongans had already been converted in large part to Weslyan Methodism. He treated them with respect even understanding the dilemmas of renouncing their old gods. Of course, their relative sexual freedom was also a difficult issue. This issue is complete and the map is in fine condition. Bound in ¾ calf over marbled paper covered boards, edges speckled brown and blue, raised bands ruled in gilt, one compartment lettered in gilt, light wear to binding, a few spots of foxing or toning to title page and some plates, the outer margin of page [ix] may either have been repaired or simply a stain, p. 505 outer margin repaired.. Over all, a very nice copy.
Price: $250.00