Author: MARTIN, JOHN / MARINER, WILLIAM:
Title: An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands, in the South Pacific Ocean. With an original grammar and vocabulary of their language. Compiled and arranged from the extensive communications of Mr. William Mariner, several years resident in those islands. Two volumes. London, printed for the author, and sold by John Murray, 1817.
Description: . Pp. lix, (i), 460; (ii), 412 + vocabulary pp. (212). With engraved frontispiece. Contemporary full calf, flat spines decorated in gilt and with title labels, expertly rebacked with original spines preserved. Corners slightly rubbed. Bookplate. First edition of this important work on the Tonga Islands. William Mariner was a British sailor on the ¬Port au Prince¬ that was attacked and destroyed on arrival at the Ha'apai Islands in Tonga. Mariner, the only survivor, was adopted as the King's son. He spent four years on the islands learning about the life, customs and language of Tonga. He returned to England in 1810. His account is "considered the best report of Tongan life and culture before the arrival of Christianity" Hill 1075. Cf Kroepelien 819 (second edition).

Keywords: Oceania incl. Pacific, tonga, pacific, travel, exploration, language, langue, linguistic, the Tonga Islands,


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