Ellis, William

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



8vo (8 1/4 x 5 in.; 211 x 128 mm). Folding engraved frontispiece map of the Island of Hawaii, 7 engraved plates after sketches by Ellis by T. Dixon, J. Archer, and others, a few woodcut text vignettes; title-page remargined at top, short fold separation to map repaired on verso, some light browning and staining. Modern half calf gilt.

Forbes, Hawaiian National Bibliography 634

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.