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ELLIS, William [1794-1872].. Polynesian Researches, During A Residence Of Nearly Six Years In The South Sea Islands.
2 Volumes. 8vo. pp. xvi, 536; viii, 576. 8pp. of ads bound in at front of Vol. I. 8 engraved plates, 1 wood-engraved plate, 2 engraved maps (1 folding) & 15 wood-engraved text illus. 1 facsimile in text. Uncut in original bds., rebacked (some foxing & browning to some plates in Vol. I). First Edition. "This work is one of the earliest instances of ethnological research by a missionary, and is one of the most important and enlightened missionary accounts of the South Seas, especially of Tahiti. The preliminary chapters describe visits to Rio de Janeiro, New South Wales, and New Zealand. Its publication helped alter the perception of missionaries in the eyes of those who had thought of them as ignorant and narrow-minded men.' (Hill) In a contemporary review, Robert Southey was moved to declare: "A more interesting book we have never perused." Hill (2nd Edn.) 549. O'Reilly & Reitman, Tahiti, 7556.
$1248 USD
