Looking for a captivating and informative read on the history of Fiji? Look no further than this comprehensive book, which delves deep into the rich and complex history of this beautiful island nation.From its earliest inhabitants to its modern-day society, this book covers every significant moment in Fiji's history, including the arrival of Tongan influence, the reign of Ratu Naulivou, the arrival of Europeans, the impact of missionary work, and the cession of Fiji to Great Britain. It also covers the challenges and struggles that Fiji has faced, including the coups of 1987 and 2000, the Fiji labor trade and Indian indentured laborers, and the impact of climate change on the country.This book also explores Fiji's culture, including traditional music and dance, cuisine, and customs, and the impact of tourism on the country. Finally, it looks towards the future of Fiji, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.This book is perfect for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of Fiji. Whether you're a student, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for an informative and enjoyable read, this book has something to offer. So why wait? Buy your copy today and discover the fascinating history of Fiji for yourself! Read more

Dutch explorers discovered for Europe many of the major island groups in the Pacific, while meting out immense brutality and privation. Some set out as pirates and privateers, others as traders seeking a new route to the Spice Islands. The voyagers left men in Hawai`i and the Tuamotus, and described for the first time the appearance and habits of many of the cultures of Polynesian islands as well those near Australia. They were the first Europeans to visit Australia, Easter Island, Fiji, Hawai`i, New Zealand, Samoa Tasmania, Tonga and many other islands. Read more

A Fun Search and Find Guessing Game Summer Activity Book for Kids 2-5, I Spy with Little My Eye Picture Book with Numbers for Toddlers and KindergartnersDive into the exciting world of "I Spy Beach Book for Kids Ages 2-5"! This interactive picture book combines the excitement of a search-and-find game with the delight of a guessing game, making it the ideal summer activity for youngsters. This book, filled with vibrant illustrations made exclusively for kids aged 2 to 5, promises beach-themed enjoyment.Using their keen observation abilities, children can explore the beach with this book's 63 amusing black and white pages for paperback. Each page features a vibrant beach scene filled with seaside treasures, and young readers are challenged to identify several artistically positioned objects. The book introduces young leaders to a world of beach-themed delights, from seashells and sandcastles to lively marine creatures.But wait, there's more! The book combines numbers to enhance the learning experience, allowing toddlers and kindergarteners to practice counting while embarking on their journey.How does this book benefit you?A summer beach-themed design on 63 premium black and white papers.In alphabetical order, guess and find an object beginning with the letters A-Z.Learning beach-related vocabulary from the alphabet A-Z.Learning and counting numbers from one to ten.With over 250 graphics, you can be sure your little one will be engaged for hours.Boosts hand-eye coordination, creative thinking, and recognition of the alphabetDesigns suitable for kids ages 2-58.5 x 8.5 size: - Perfect for little handsThe combination of stunning photography with the challenge and fun of finding hidden objects and coloring them is sure to delight kids for hours! Read more

"The literary device of juxtaposing the story of the Fiji coup against autobiographical reminiscences of a Fiji background works very well. This is an excellent story, beautifully written and skillfully mixing the personal with the political .. The EH McCormick Award for the Best First Book of Non Fiction, sponsored by the New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN Inc) and Creative New Zealand, goes to Kava in the Blood by Peter Thomson." - Judges Report, Montana New Zealand Book Awards, 2000. Entwined through the author's reportage of the 1987 coups is an evocative picture of life in the islands. Thus, Kava in the Blood is also an intriguing story of hurricanes, haunted houses and copious kava consumption, set within the dramatic landscapes and vibrant cultures of the Fiji Islands. Read more

This book deals with the ancient history of Fiji.The Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean that gained its independence in 1970. This former British colony consisting of an archipelago, the most important in Polynesia, lies between 15° and 20° South. The first western contact with Fiji was made in 1643 when Captain Abel Tasman entered Fijian waters and sighted several islands and reefs without realizing the nature of his discovery. Over a hundred years later, Captain Cook made a second contact by stopping at one of the southern Lau Islands. Real knowledge of the area began in 1792 when Captain Bligh sailed through the archipelago from the southeast to the northwest, following the famous mutiny of the Bounty. Bligh made an attempt to land, was attacked by natives, and continued through the islands with no more landings. He did, however, make a record of most of the islands he passed.In the nineteenth century, commercial contacts began in the form of sandalwood trade. This profitable commodity brought Europeans and Americans first to the Sandalwood Coast on the west side of Vanua Levu. During this period the first systematic survey of Fijian waters was made by the U.S. Exploring Expedition in 1840. After little more than a decade the sandalwood supply was depleted to the point where trade virtually ceased.As a result of this initial commercial contact, which was mainly around western Vanua Levu and eastern Viti Levu, some marked changes were effected in Fijian culture. After the sandalwood traders abandoned Fiji for more profitable fields, a number of deserters and ship-wrecked men remained. These beachcombers, along with firearms that had been introduced by trade or salvaged from wrecks, brought about the first striking alterations. Rival chiefs competed for the acquisition of muskets, gunpowder, and beachcombers. The latter in some instances became attached to royal households as dubious advisors and instructors in the use of guns, powder, and shot. Some of these coaches enjoyed a status resembling that of household pets.The introduction of firearms changed the native political scene and increased the scope and destructiveness of warfare. For a time the rulers of Mbau in eastern Viti nearly monopolized the supply of muskets and white men. This established their political supremacy over rival leaders. Larger and stronger political and military alliances, some resembling small kingdoms, developed for purposes of defense or aggression. As warfare grew more frequent, new diseases entered the islands and trade in liquor advanced.After the third decade of the nineteenth century better elements began to enter Fiji and ensuing culture contact was not so consistently deplorable. Bêche-de-mer traders and whalers began to visit the islands for trade goods and supplies. Some began to settle at the east end of Viti Levu. Missionaries came in the 1830's and the Christianization of Fiji began. Read more

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the enchanting islands of Fiji with our captivating book. Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and wonders of this tropical haven through vivid storytelling and engaging narratives, all presented in a captivating text-only format.Step into the pages of this unique book, and delve into the heart and soul of Fiji. From the ancient civilizations that shaped its history to the vibrant cultural traditions that endure to this day, every chapter unveils the secrets and wonders of this Pacific gem. Discover the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and awe-inspiring coral reefs that paint the picture of Fiji's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the warmth of the Fijian people as you learn about their deep-rooted traditions, art, music, dance, and storytelling.Indulge in a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Fiji, where the fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine tantalizes your taste buds. Learn about the Fijian way of life, customs, and etiquette, and gain valuable insights into their spirituality, beliefs, and cultural melting pot. Explore Fiji's passion for rugby and the array of recreational activities that will thrill adventurers of all ages. Uncover the nation's sustainable efforts to preserve its ecosystem, protect marine life, and promote responsible tourism.Discover the diverse islands of Fiji, from the bustling capital city of Suva to the hidden gems of Lautoka, Savusavu, Taveuni, and beyond. Immerse yourself in Fiji's vibrant culture, majestic landscapes, and fascinating history, all from the comfort of your own imagination.Whether you are an armchair traveler yearning for a virtual escape or planning a real-life adventure to Fiji, this book serves as the perfect companion to ignite your wanderlust and deepen your appreciation for the wonders of this tropical paradise.Indulge in the magic of Fiji as you flip through the pages of this captivating text-only book. Join us on this extraordinary journey to paradise, where the allure of Fiji awaits, ready to enchant and inspire you. Read more

"Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004" reveals the horrific treatment of Indian indentured workers (Girmitiyas) in Fiji by the British from 1879-1919. Indenture system (Girmit) under which they were recruited was slavery by another name. Working and living conditions were so atrocious that Fiji had the highest rate of suicide in the world and highest rate of infanticide among the colonies that deployed indentured labour. Author, Rajendra Prasad, a descendant of Girmitiya grandparents, graphically captures the suffering, struggles and sacrifices of the pioneer generation, “Overseer’s whip comes down upon her half-naked back and legs. The child is struck also. Both are crying…Barnicoat poured boiling water on Poligardu’s genitals…Blomfield bashed Naraini’s head on stones… her face covered in blood...” The British had recruited 60,965 Indians to work in the sugarcane plantations in Fiji. Deceit and deception was widely used in the recruitment process to trap the innocent, poor and ignorant peasants for countries they never knew or dreamt of going. It tore their hearts when they realized that it was separation from their motherland. In 1882 when ships Berar and Poonah I set sail for Fiji, fifteen recruits jumped overboard and drowned. In the ships, many fell sick and some died of homesickness. In the fields, they worked for long hours and ritually suffered whips, kicks and sticks of the white Overseers. Women in advanced stage of pregnancy were forced to work. Some gave birth in the fields and most were required to return to work within days of child birth. The rigors of plantation life changed their demeanour. Methodist missionary, Hannah Dudley, in her letter to the Indian leaders on November 4, 1912, asked for the abolition of the indenture system. She wrote, “I shall never forget the first time I saw ‘indentured’ women. They were returning from their day’s work. The look on those women’s faces haunts me…” The second part of the book captures the contemporary history of Fiji under the theme “An Uncertain Future”, echoing racial discrimination and marginalization of Indo-Fijians by successive Governments, as anxiety and insecurity about their future kept them on the edge. Tears in Paradise eloquently captures the gruesome events - suffering that will haunt, endurance that will challenge, violence that will confound and struggle that will inspire. One reader wrote, “…once in my hand, I could not put it down and cried at several places. It eloquently brought out the human element often missing in other historical publications on the subject.” Read more

Centering on cases of sexual violence, this open access book illuminates the contested introduction of British and French colonial criminal justice in the Pacific Islands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu/New Hebrides. It foregrounds the experiences of Indigenous Islanders and indentured laborers in the colonial court system, a space in which marginalized voices entered the historical record.Rape and sexual assault trials reveal how hierarchies of race, gender and status all shaped the practice of colonial law in the courtroom and the gendered experiences of colonialism. Trials provided a space where men and women narrated their own story and at times challenged the operation of colonial law. Through these cases, Gender, Violence and Criminal Justice in the Colonial Pacific highlights the extent to which colonial bureaucracies engaged with and affected private lives, as well as the varied ways in which individuals and communities responded to such intrusions and themselves reshaped legal practices and institutions in the Pacific.With bureaucratic institutions unable to deal with the complex realities of colonial lives, Stevens reveals how the courtroom often became a theatrical space in which authority was performed, deliberately obscuring the more complex and violent practices that were central to both colonialism and colonial law-making. Exploring the intersections of legal pluralism and local pragmatism across British and French colonialization in the Pacific, this book shows how island communities and early colonial administrators adopted diverse and flexible approaches towards criminal justice, pursuing alternative forms of justice ranging from unofficial courts to punitive violence in order to deal with cases of sexual assault.The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by University of Waikato, New Zealand. Read more

Sea of Islands brings together knowledge holders, scholars, and artists from across the Pacific with Western scholars working with Pacific collections—as well as members of diasporic Oceanic communities—to share the stories and journeys of the objects that comprise Canada’s largest Oceanic collection, housed at The Museum of Anthropology at UBC.The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia holds some 3,500 objects from Oceania, making it the largest and most diverse collection from this region in Canada. From regalia and jewellery to barkcloths and woven mats to carvings and canoes, all these items have travelled, sometimes circuitously, from their homelands—including Aotearoa, Australia, the Torres Strait Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Rapa Nui, the Marquesas Islands, and Vanuatu—to the west coast of Canada. Sea of Islands traces the journeys and stories of these holdings, as shared by knowledge holders, scholars, and artists from across the Pacific.Presented alongside more than 250 photographs of individual objects contextualized by historic and contemporary images from Oceanic communities, Carol E. Mayer’s text draws on her decades of research and outreach centred around the complex intersections between museum collections, contemporary art practices, and different knowledge systems. The result is a lively and accessible exploration of how these objects—old and new—continue to articulate systems of meaning and engender new relationships. Read more

Embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of Fiji with our text-only travel guide, "Best of Fiji: Top Spots to Explore." In this exploration of Fiji's most enchanting destinations, you'll uncover hidden gems and must-visit attractions that will leave you spellbound.From the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls of Taveuni to the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Yasawa Islands, each chapter of this guide is filled with vivid descriptions and insider tips that bring Fiji's natural beauty and cultural richness to life. Whether you're an adventurous traveller seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills or a laid-back explorer in search of secluded paradise, "Best of Fiji" has something for everyone.Join us as we delve into the majestic wonders of Bouma National Heritage Park, discover the colonial charm of Levuka Historical Port Town, and immerse ourselves in the traditions of Navala Village. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, culinary delights to wildlife encounters, this comprehensive guide covers it all."Best of Fiji" is more than just a travel guide – it's a passport to adventure, a gateway to discovery, and an invitation to experience the magic of Fiji like never before. So pack your bags, grab your copy of "Best of Fiji," and prepare to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Your Fijian adventure awaits! Read more

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the enchanting islands of Fiji with our captivating book. Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and wonders of this tropical haven through vivid storytelling and engaging narratives, all presented in a captivating text-only format.Step into the pages of this unique book, and delve into the heart and soul of Fiji. From the ancient civilizations that shaped its history to the vibrant cultural traditions that endure to this day, every chapter unveils the secrets and wonders of this Pacific gem. Discover the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and awe-inspiring coral reefs that paint the picture of Fiji's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the warmth of the Fijian people as you learn about their deep-rooted traditions, art, music, dance, and storytelling.Indulge in a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Fiji, where the fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine tantalizes your taste buds. Learn about the Fijian way of life, customs, and etiquette, and gain valuable insights into their spirituality, beliefs, and cultural melting pot. Explore Fiji's passion for rugby and the array of recreational activities that will thrill adventurers of all ages. Uncover the nation's sustainable efforts to preserve its ecosystem, protect marine life, and promote responsible tourism.Discover the diverse islands of Fiji, from the bustling capital city of Suva to the hidden gems of Lautoka, Savusavu, Taveuni, and beyond. Immerse yourself in Fiji's vibrant culture, majestic landscapes, and fascinating history, all from the comfort of your own imagination.Whether you are an armchair traveler yearning for a virtual escape or planning a real-life adventure to Fiji, this book serves as the perfect companion to ignite your wanderlust and deepen your appreciation for the wonders of this tropical paradise.Indulge in the magic of Fiji as you flip through the pages of this captivating text-only book. Join us on this extraordinary journey to paradise, where the allure of Fiji awaits, ready to enchant and inspire you. Read more

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Ratu Sir Kamisese's thoughtful and entertaining memoir of his personal and political life candidly outlines significant events in the development of Fiji, a plural society for which The Pacific Way holds a special and evocative meaning. The phrase inspired his 1970 partnership with the Indian opposition leader to produce a constitution whereby, in his own words, "people of different races, opinions and cultures can live and work together for the good of all, can differ without rancour, govern without malice, and accept responsibility as reasonable people intent on serving the interests of all." After leading Fiji through 17 years of multiracial harmony, he found it ironic that his defeat in 1987, opposed by an Indian-dominated coalition and a fervid Fijian Nationalist Party, was provoked by his multiracialism. But this same multiracial vision enabled him, after the military coups in 1987, to lead an interim government that restored stability and economic progress. As the appointed President of Fiji, he is sustained by wide popular acclaim and affection. Very few Pacific leaders have published their opinions and perspectives on such a wide range of issues and topics. In addition to his long and distinguished political life, he tells of his chiefly heritage, his early education and medical studies at Otago University, his years at Oxford University, and his career as a colonial administrator. His memoir will be of outstanding interest to Pacific historians, political scientists, and anthropologists, as well as the general reader. Read more

Looking for inspiration for your next tattoo and loving the look and meaning of Polynesian ones?Here you'll find all the 93 ocean themed Polynesian tattoos from the first 4 books of Tattootribes' Design series:MantasTurtlesSharksSealifeThis big format book includes Tahitian, Samoan, Marquesan, and Maori tattoos, and each design comes with a brief description of its meanings along with its outline, making it an useful resource for tattoo artists as well.Be inspired! Read more

Tears in Paradise – Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004 reveals the horrific treatment of Indian indentured workers (Girmitiyas) in Fiji by the British from 1879-1919. Indenture system (Girmit) under which they were recruited was slavery by another name. Working and living conditions were so atrocious that Fiji had the highest rate of suicide in the world and highest rate of infanticide among the colonies that deployed indentured labour. Author, Rajendra Prasad, a descendant of Girmitiya grandparents, graphically captures the suffering, struggles and sacrifices of the pioneer generation, “Overseer’s whip comes down upon her half-naked back and legs. The child is struck also. Both are crying…Barnicoat poured boiling water on Poligardu’s genitals…Blomfield bashed Naraini’s head on stones… her face covered in blood...” The British had recruited 60,965 Indians to work in the sugarcane plantations in Fiji. Deceit and deception was widely used in the recruitment process to trap the innocent, poor and ignorant peasants for countries they never knew or dreamt of going. It tore their hearts when they realized that it was separation from their motherland. In 1882 when ships Berar and Poonah I set sail for Fiji, fifteen recruits jumped overboard and drowned. In the ships, many fell sick and some died of homesickness. In the fields, they worked for long hours and ritually suffered whips, kicks and sticks of the white Overseers. Women in advanced stage of pregnancy were forced to work. Some gave birth in the fields and most were required to return to work within days of child birth. The rigors of plantation life changed their demeanour. Methodist missionary, Hannah Dudley, in her letter to the Indian leaders on November 4, 1912, asked for the abolition of the indenture system. She wrote, “I shall never forget the first time I saw ‘indentured’ women. They were returning from their day’s work. The look on those women’s faces haunts me…” The second part of the book captures the contemporary history of Fiji under the theme “An Uncertain Future”, echoing racial discrimination and marginalization of Indo-Fijians by successive Governments, as anxiety and insecurity about their future kept them on the edge. Tears in Paradise eloquently captures the gruesome events - suffering that will haunt, endurance that will challenge, violence that will confound and struggle that will inspire. One reader wrote, “…once in my hand, I could not put it down and cried at several places. It eloquently brought out the human element often missing in other historical publications on the subject.” Read more

Dutch explorers discovered for Europe many of the major island groups in the Pacific, while meting out as well as suffering immense brutality and privation. Several of the voyages, launched despite opposition from the powerful Dutch East India Company, eventually had surviving ships and crew confiscated when they reached the East Indies. But before that happened, they left men in Hawai`i and the Tuamotus, and described for the first time the appearance and habits of many of the cultures of Polynesian islands as well those near Australia. They were the first Europeans to visit Australia, Easter Island, Fiji, Hawai`i, New Zealand, Samoa Tasmania, Tonga and many other islands. Read more

Fiji s Natural Heritage is the acclaimed introduction to the flora, fauna and ecology of the Fiji Islands. First published in 1988, this superb new edition has been completely revised, expanded and redesigned. Written for the general reader as well as for the natural history enthusiast, Fiji s Natural Heritage is the only book that provides a comprehensive overview of Fiji s rich biodiversity. The Fiji Islands have a large number of endemic species. These and the introduced species are illustrated and described with their common, scientific and Fijian names given. Paddy Ryan s text is packed with fascinating biological facts and features, as well as many engaging anecdotes detailing encounters with his subjects including the grey reef shark, the crested and the banded iguana, the fiddler crab (which signals frantically to potential mates with its enlarged chela or claw), the frigate bird (an aerial pirate), and Fiji s national flower, the tagimaucia. Fiji s Natural Heritage is a major publication on the Pacific Islands. It will be one of the best value natural history and travel titles! Read more

Previously published as From Dark to Dawn in Fiji. Read more

This is the first account of the Lapita peoples, the common ancestor of the Polynesians, Micronesians, and Austronesian-speaking Melanesians who over the last 4000 years colonized the islands of the Pacific, including New Zealand and territories as far afield as Fiji and Hawaii. Its purpose is to provide answers to some of the most puzzling archaeological and anthropological questions: who were the Lapita peoples? what was their history? how were they able to travel such great distances? and why did they do so? Recent discoveries (several by the author of this book) have begun at last to yield a coherent picture of these elusive peoples. Professor Kirch takes the reader back many thousands of years to the earliest evidence of the Lapita peoples. He describes the research itself and conveys the excitement of the first discoveries of Lapita settlements, tools and pottery. He then traces the remarkable cultural development and spread of the Lapita peoples across the unoccupied islands of Eastern Melanesia, Micronesia and Western Polynesia. He shows how they became the progenitors of the Polynesian and Austronesian-speaking Melanesian peoples. The author describes Lapita sites, communities and landscapes, the development of their decorated ceramics, and their shell-tool industry. He reveals the means by which they accomplished such prodigious voyages and explains why they undertook them. He illustrates his account with specially drawn maps and with a wide range of photographs, many published for the first time. Drawing on the latest research in archaeology, anthropology, biology and linguistics, and written in clear, non-specialized language, this is an outstanding book of great importance to the history of South-East Asia and the Pacific. Read more

The book is a love letter to Fiji and its unique people. It presents the ancient culture and history of the indigenous Itaukei from a different perspective than that found in the usual travel guides or even in the official history books of Fiji. It is a very personal “Talanoa” (story) of Fiji, told from the admittedly limited perspective of a “pale-face” in love. It is full of descriptions of historical events and brings to light unexpected life lines of historical figures that have been forgotten or deliberately disappeared from public discourse. The word Talanoa has a prominent meaning in the Itaukei culture. The Fijian culture had no writing or standardized records until the arrival of the first missionaries in 1835. Everything was passed down orally or presented in the form of a narrative dance (Meke) . The oceanic beauty of the Pacific has carried and accompanied all these fascinating and harrowing stories of its inhabitants on its waves. It has given people direction, protected their lives or driven them into exile or to their deaths. The individual chapters describe in detail the ancient spirituality of the Itaukei, the arrival of missionaries and Europeans in the mid-19th century, the effects of 100 years of colonization, and the consequences of shipping tens of thousands of cheap Indian contract labourers (girmits) to Fiji. The book looks back into the past and at the same time remains in the modern present, following developments in Fiji from independence to the present day. It is by no means a travel guide. But every white person visiting the South Sea islands should read it in preparation. Because Fiji should be experienced with heart and sensuality by its guests. Read more