Lot 124
  • 124

Ellis, William

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Description

Narrative of a Tour through Hawaii, or, Owhyhee; with Remarks on the History, Traditions, Manners, Customs, and Language of the Inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands. London: Published for the Author by H. Fisher, Son, and P. Jackson, 1826.



In 8s (8 3/8 x 5 1/8 in.; 212 x 131 mm). Folding engraved frontispiece map of the Island of Hawaii, 7 engraved plates after sketches by Ellis by T. Dixon, J. Archer, and others, woodcut text  vignette of a large idol at Kailua; scattered foxing, most severe on plates, map offset to title-page. Later blue cloth; rebacked preserving most of original spine.

Literature

Forbes, Hawaiian National Bibliography 634

Catalogue Note

First edition. "This volume is in every way an enlargment and improvement of [the 1825 Journal of a Tour Around Hawaii to which Ellis contributed]. Because of his residence in Polynesia, Ellis was able to give a more accurate narrative of traditions and customs of the Hawaiian people. The descriptive narrative is greatly expanded, and included is an eye-witness report from Hawaiians on the death of Captain Cook" (Forbes). A significant essay titled "Remarks on the Hawaiian Language" is included as an appendix.