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The History of Australia: From Indigenous Origins to a Modern NationAustralia is called the “land down under,” but how much do you really know about its past? Did you know that modern Australia started as a British prison colony? Or that for tens of thousands of years before that, Indigenous peoples lived there, building rich cultures and traditions?This book takes you through Australia’s history, from its first inhabitants to the arrival of European settlers to its fight for independence to its current role in world events. Learn about the convicts who built early settlements, the famous bushrangers who became legends, and the key moments that shaped Australia into the country it is today.What You’ll Discover Inside:Who the first Australians were and how they livedHow and why Britain sent convicts to AustraliaThe dangers and struggles of the first European settlersThe Australian Gold Rush and how it changed the countryHow Australia gained independence from BritainAustralia’s role in World War I, World War II, and beyondHow modern Australia has grown and changed over timeAnd so much more!Why This Book is for You:Whether you love history, want to learn more about Australia, or just enjoy a good story, this book makes the past easy to understand and fun to explore.Discover the incredible story of Australia. Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” to begin your journey today! Read more

New York Times Bestseller: A Pulitzer Prize–winning author retraces the voyages of Captain James Cook: “Alternately hilarious, poignant, and insightful.” —Seattle TimesCaptain James Cook’s three epic journeys in the eighteenth century were the last great voyages of discovery. His ships sailed 150,000 miles, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, from Tasmania to Oregon, from Easter Island to Siberia. When Cook set off for the Pacific in 1768, a third of the globe remained blank. By the time he died in Hawaii in 1779, the map of the world was substantially complete.Tony Horwitz, author of Confederates in the Attic, vividly recounts Cook’s voyages and the exotic scenes the captain encountered: tropical orgies, taboo rituals, cannibal feasts, human sacrifice. He also relives Cook’s adventures by following in his wake to places such as Tahiti, Savage Island, and the Great Barrier Reef to discover Cook’s embattled legacy in the present day. Signing on as a working crewman aboard a replica of Cook’s vessel, Horwitz experiences the thrill and terror of sailing a tall ship. He also explores Cook the man: an impoverished farm boy who broke through the barriers of his class and time to become the greatest navigator in British history, whose voyages helped create the “global village” we know today.“With healthy doses of both humor and provocative information, the book will please fans of history, exploration, travelogues and, of course, top-notch storytelling.” —Publishers Weekly“Horwitz retells the sailor’s story and tries to re-create first contact from the point of view of the locals—Tahitians, Maoris, Aleuts, Hawaiians, and others—and judge the legacy of his landing . . . thought-provoking . . . brims with insight.” —Booklist“A rollicking read that is also a sneaky work of scholarship . . . new and unexpected insights into the man who out-discovered Columbus. A terrific book.” —Nathaniel Philbrick, National Book Award winner and New York Times–bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea“Well-researched, gripping, and peppered with humorous passages.” —St. Louis Post-Dispatch“Part Cook biography, part travelogue, and very much a stroke of genius.” —Philadelphia Inquirer Read more

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In a land of countless tribes, the stories of Papua New Guinea are as diverse as its people.Papua New Guinea, a vibrant cultural and natural gem in the heart of Oceania, is home to over 800 unique languages and a rich tribal heritage that remains largely untouched by Western influence. It is into this tropical haven of society that anthropologist Raz Cherbelis takes readers in his intriguing memoir, drawing on more than three decades of exploration and research across the country’s most remote regions.With vivid authenticity, Cherbelis offers a rare glimpse into the untouched magic of Papua New Guinea: encounters with tribes of crocodile men, flirting in local Pidgin, dangerous shark-calling rituals, enchanting fire-dancing ceremonies, and more. He develops close ties with local tribes, where technological advancements are so recent that the wheel was introduced to many just a century ago.With poignant reflections on life, death, family, culture, religion, and more, In the Land of a Thousand Tribes is a soul-stirring journey into one of the world’s last great frontiers. Read more

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A history of World War II’s Operation Cartwheel, a major Allied operation by US, Australian, and New Zealand forces to take the Japanese base at Rabaul.Prior to World War II, few Americans had heard of Rabaul, a small harbor town in a far-off corner of the Pacific. But it became a household name after the Japanese captured Rabaul in January 1942 and developed it into their most heavily defended fortress outside the home islands. Thereafter, Rabaul endured Allied air attacks for a total of forty-four months—a span unmatched by any other locale during World War II.In Target: Rabaul, respected military historian Bruce Gamble concludes his critically acclaimed trilogy about Japan’s most notorious stronghold. Picking up where Fortress Rabaul left off, Gamble narrates the story of Cartwheel, the multiple-operation plan that isolated Rabaul through aerial and naval siege. The effort, involving all of the armed branches of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, resulted in some of the heaviest and most dramatic aerial combat of the Pacific war, with frequent clashes between hundreds of planes.The culmination of an amazing story, Target: Rabaul profiles the resolve of the Allied and Japanese combatants in the horrific Pacific battleground—and provides the turbulent, triumphant conclusion to the most comprehensive account of World War II’s longest battle.“Bruce Gamble has done it again! An impeccable researcher and a master storyteller with a keen eye for details and characters, Gamble presents Target: Rabaul, a powerful conclusion to his must-read trilogy on the battle over Japan’s Southwest Pacific stronghold. The heart-pounding stories of aerial combat read like a thriller—and show why he is one of the finest writers working today.” —James Scott, author of The War Below and The Attack on the Liberty Read more

"A treasure of a book."—David McCulloughThe harrowing story of a pathbreaking naval expedition that set out to map the entire Pacific Ocean, dwarfing Lewis and Clark with its discoveries, from the New York Times bestselling author of Valiant Ambition and In the Hurricane's Eye.A New York Times Notable BookAmerica's first frontier was not the West; it was the sea, and no one writes more eloquently about that watery wilderness than Nathaniel Philbrick. In his bestselling In the Heart of the Sea Philbrick probed the nightmarish dangers of the vast Pacific. Now, in an epic sea adventure, he writes about one of the most ambitious voyages of discovery the Western world has ever seen—the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842. On a scale that dwarfed the journey of Lewis and Clark, six magnificent sailing vessels and a crew of hundreds set out to map the entire Pacific Ocean and ended up naming the newly discovered continent of Antarctica, collecting what would become the basis of the Smithsonian Institution. Combining spellbinding human drama and meticulous research, Philbrick reconstructs the dark saga of the voyage to show why, instead of being celebrated and revered as that of Lewis and Clark, it has—until now—been relegated to a footnote in the national memory.Winner of the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize Read more

“Riveting.” —The New York Times Book Review Hundreds of miles from civilization, two ships wreck on opposite ends of the same deserted island in this true story of human nature at its best—and at its worst. It is 1864, and Captain Thomas Musgrave’s schooner, the Grafton, has just wrecked on Auckland Island, a forbidding piece of land 285 miles south of New Zealand. Battered by year-round freezing rain and constant winds, it is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death. Incredibly, at the same time on the opposite end of the island, another ship runs aground during a storm. Separated by only twenty miles and the island’s treacherous, impassable cliffs, the crews of the Grafton and the Invercauld face the same fate. And yet where the Invercauld’s crew turns inward on itself, fighting, starving, and even turning to cannibalism, Musgrave’s crew bands together to build a cabin and a forge—and eventually, to find a way to escape. Using the survivors’ journals and historical records, award-winning maritime historian Joan Druett brings to life this extraordinary untold story about leadership and the fine line between order and chaos. Read more

Hawaiian Mythology Collection II: The Complete Works of William D. WesterveltFrom The Historical Legends Of Old Honolulu To The Fiery Volcano Myths, Mighty Maui and Mystical Gods and Ghosts Of HawaiiDive into the captivating world of Hawaiian mythology with Hawaiian Mythology Collection II, a comprehensive anthology of the timeless works of William D. Westervelt. This collection brings together five of his most celebrated titles, offering readers a rich tapestry of Hawaiian legends, folklore, and ancient history. Whether you're a lover of mythology, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, this collection is a must-have addition to your library.What’s Inside?Hawaiian Historical LegendsJourney through the ancient tales that shaped the Hawaiian Islands. Discover stories of revered chiefs, warriors, and the dramatic events that marked Hawaii's historical landscape. Westervelt's careful preservation of these stories provides a unique window into the islands' rich past.Hawaiian Legends of Old HonoluluExplore the deep-rooted myths and legends from the heart of Honolulu. These tales are not just stories but a reflection of the spiritual connection between the Hawaiian people and their environment, revealing the beliefs and traditions of an era long past.Hawaiian Legends of VolcanoesEnter the fiery world of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, and the myths surrounding Hawaii's volcanic landscapes. These legends capture the raw power of nature and the spiritual narratives that bring the volcanic forces to life.Legends of Gods and GhostsStep into the mystical realm of Hawaiian gods, spirits, and supernatural beings. This collection unveils the rich spiritual dimensions of Hawaiian culture, from creation myths to divine interventions in human affairs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s cosmology.Legends of MauiMeet Maui, the legendary trickster and demigod whose daring exploits and clever deeds have made him one of the most beloved figures in Hawaiian and Polynesian folklore. These tales of adventure, magic, and heroism continue to captivate readers of all ages.Why You’ll Love This Collection:A Complete Anthology: For the first time, enjoy all five of William D. Westervelt’s influential works in one beautifully curated collection.Engaging and Accessible: Westervelt's storytelling style makes these ancient myths and legends both captivating and easy to understand, perfect for readers new to Hawaiian culture and folklore.A Treasure of Cultural Heritage: Gain insight into the ancient beliefs, values, and traditions of the Hawaiian people through these well-preserved legends, enriched with authentic Hawaiian terms and historical context.Perfect for Mythology Enthusiasts: Whether you are a scholar of mythology or a casual reader, this collection will deepen your appreciation for the unique cultural narratives of Hawaii.Rediscover the magic, mystery, and wonder of Hawaii's legendary past with Hawaiian Mythology Collection II. Immerse yourself in the ancient stories that have been passed down through generations and experience the timeless appeal of these enchanting tales.Add to your cart today and begin your journey through the rich, mythical world of the Hawaiian Islands! Read more

In a thrilling collection of nonfiction adventure stories, James A. Michener returns to the most dazzling place on Earth: the islands that inspired Tales of the South Pacific. Co-written with A. Grove Day, Rascals in Paradise offers portraits of ten scandalous men and women, some infamous and some overlooked, including Sam Comstock, a mutinous sailor whose delusions of grandeur became a nightmare; Will Mariner, a golden-haired youth who used his charm to win over his captors; and William Bligh, the notorious HMS Bounty captain who may not have been the monster history remembers him as. From lifelong buccaneers to lapsed noblemen, in Michener and Day’s capable hands these rogues become the stuff of legend. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener's Hawaii.   Praise for Rascals in Paradise   “The best book about those far-scattered islands that has appeared in a long time . . . a portfolio of rare and ruthless personalities that is calculated to make the curliest hair stand straight on end.”—The New York Times   “[Combines] research and scholarship (A. Grove Day was a professor at the University of Hawaii) with a gift for spinning a yarn and depicting character (Michener, journalist and novelist, needs no introduction).”—Kirkus Reviews Read more

The mutiny on HMS Bounty, in the South Pacific on 28 April 1789, is one of history's truly great stories - a tale of human drama, intrigue and adventure of the highest order - and in the hands of Peter FitzSimons it comes to life as never before.Commissioned by the Royal Navy to collect breadfruit plants from Tahiti and take them to the West Indies, the Bounty's crew found themselves in a tropical paradise. Five months later, they did not want to leave. Under the leadership of Fletcher Christian most of the crew mutinied soon after sailing from Tahiti, setting Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crewmen adrift in a small open boat. In one of history's great feats of seamanship, Bligh navigated this tiny vessel for 3618 nautical miles to Timor.Fletcher Christian and the mutineers sailed back to Tahiti, where most remained and were later tried for mutiny. But Christian, along with eight fellow mutineers and some Tahitian men and women, sailed off into the unknown, eventually discovering the isolated Pitcairn Island - at the time not even marked on British maps - and settling there.This astonishing story is historical adventure at its very best, encompassing the mutiny, Bligh's monumental achievement in navigating to safety, and Fletcher Christian and the mutineers' own epic journey from the sensual paradise of Tahiti to the outpost of Pitcairn Island. The mutineers' descendants live on Pitcairn to this day, amid swirling stories and rumours of past sexual transgressions and present-day repercussions. Mutiny on the Bounty is a sprawling, dramatic tale of intrigue, bravery and sheer boldness, told with the accuracy of historical detail and total command of story that are Peter FitzSimons' trademarks. Read more

Our book "The History of Samoa" is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of one of the most unique and captivating cultures in the world. From the origins of the first settlers to the present day, our team of expert writers and researchers have delved deep into the rich history and diverse heritage of Samoa to provide a complete overview of this stunning island nation.This book takes you on a journey through time, exploring Samoa's ancient traditions, customs, and beliefs, as well as its more recent history of colonization, struggle for independence, and modern-day challenges and achievements. Along the way, you'll discover the remarkable natural beauty of Samoa, including its vibrant flora and fauna, stunning marine environment, and dramatic geological features.We've also explored the intricate social and political systems that have governed Samoa for centuries, the important role of women in Samoan society, and the many contributions that Samoa has made to the wider Pacific region and the world. "The History of Samoa" is an essential read for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating culture and its people.Whether you're a student of history, a traveler looking to explore new horizons, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and diversity of the world, "The History of Samoa" is a must-read. Order your copy today and join us on a journey through time and space to the heart of Samoa's captivating history and culture. Read more

Esteemed Pacific War historian Jeffrey Cox has produced afast-paced and absorbing read of the crucial New Georgia phase of the Guadalcanal-Solomons Campaign during the Pacific War. Thousands of miles from friendly ports, the US Navy had finally managed to complete the capture of Guadalcanal from the Japanese in early 1943. Now the Allies sought to keep the offensive momentum won at such a high cost. Determined not to repeat their mistakes at Guadalcanal, the Allies nonetheless faltered in their continuing efforts to roll back the Japanese land, air and naval forces. Dark Waters, Starry Skies is an engrossing history which weaves together strategy and tactics with a blow-by-blow account of every battle at a vital point in the Pacific War that has not been analyzed in this level of detail before. Using first-hand accounts from both sides, this book vividly recreates all the terror and drama of the nighttime naval battles during this phase of the Solomons campaign and the ferocious firestorm many Marines faced as they disembarked from their landing craft. The reader is transported to the bridge to stand alongside Admiral Walden Ainsworth as he sails to stop another Japanese reinforcement convoy for New Georgia, and vividly feels the fear of an 18-year-old Marine as he fights for survival against a weakened but still determined enemy. Read more

A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist exposes the sixty-seven US nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands that decimated a people and their land.The most important place in American nuclear history are the Marshall Islands—an idyllic Pacific paradise that served as the staging ground for over sixty US nuclear tests. It was here, from 1946 to 1958, that America perfected the weapon that preserved the peace of the post-war years. It was here—with the 1954 Castle Bravo test over Bikini Atoll—that America executed its largest nuclear detonation, a thousand times more powerful than Hiroshima. And it was here that a native people became unwilling test subjects in the first large scale study of nuclear radiation fallout when the ashes rained down on powerless villagers, contaminating the land they loved and forever changing a way of life.In Blown to Hell, Pulitzer Prize–winnng journalist Walter Pincus tells for the first time the tragic story of the Marshallese people caught in the crosshairs of American nuclear testing. From John Anjain, a local magistrate of Rongelap Atoll who loses more than most; to the radiation-exposed crew of the Japanese fishing boat the Lucky Dragon; to Dr. Robert Conard, a Navy physician who realized the dangers facing the islanders and attempted to help them; to the Washington power brokers trying to keep the unthinkable fallout from public view . . . Blown to Hell tells the human story of America’s nuclear testing program.Displaced from the only homes they had known, the native tribes that inhabited the serene Pacific atolls for millennia before they became ground zero for America’s first thermonuclear detonations returned to homes despoiled by radiation—if they were lucky enough to return at all. Others were ripped from their ancestral lands and shuttled to new islands with little regard for how the new environment supported their way of life and little acknowledgement of all they left behind. But not even the disruptive relocations allowed the islanders to escape the fallout.Praise for Blown to Hell“A shocking account of the destruction wrought by atomic bomb testing in the Marshall Islands from 1946 to 1958 . . . . Pincus makes a persuasive case that in “seeking a more powerful weapon for warfare, the U.S. unleashed death in several forms on peaceful Marshall Island people.” Readers will be appalled.” —Publishers Weekly“For more than half a century, Walter Pincus has been among our greatest reporters and most persistent truth-tellers. Blown to Hell is a story worthy of his talents—infuriating, heart-breaking, and utterly riveting.” —Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Liberation Trilogy Read more

Dive into the vibrant world of Samoan cuisine with Samoan Food: A Beginners Journey Through Flavor and Tradition by Madisen Su’a. Raised on the Pacific flavors of New Zealand’s Samoan diaspora, Madisen shares his father’s legacy as the ultimate island chef, blending Polynesian roots with Asian twists long before fusion was trendy. This beginner-friendly guide unwraps the smoky secrets of the umu, the zesty freshness of oka, and the sticky sweetness of pani popo—dishes that celebrate family, resilience, and tropical abundance. With authentic recipes like creamy palusami and savory sapasui, plus rich histories of Samoa’s culinary evolution, it’s a feast of flavor and culture. No fancy kitchen required—just a hunger for hearty, soul-warming food. Perfect for foodies, novices, or anyone craving a taste of fa’a Samoa—the Samoan way. Grab your mat, dig in, and let the islands come alive! Read more

In The Art of Excavation, poet Leilani Tamu delves into the complex and multifaceted nature of the region that we know as the Pacific. In poetry that is by turns fierce and political, tender and insightful, contemplative and intimate, Leilani creates a beautiful ‘ie tōga (woven mat) that weaves together living memory in a way that also acknowledges and places the past at the centre of the narrative. Challenging the popular orthodox approach of ‘digging up’ the past, Leilani reclaims the process of excavation as a creative metaphor for reframing and retelling Pacific stories from her own perspective, as a Pacific woman. This book is a vibrant and challenging offering from a young Pacific writer who is also a mother, historian, former New Zealand diplomat and columnist. The Art of Excavation is her first poetry collection. Read more

The incredible true story of William 'Bully' Hayes, the so-called 'Pirate of the Pacific': a story that separates the myth from the man.Famous throughout the Pacific, from the US to Australia and all points in between, Captain Bully Hayes has been the inspiration for writers ranging from Robert Louis Stevenson to James A. Michener and Frank Clune. Rousing films have been based on his life, and his name adorns bars and hotels all over the Pacific.But the truth is both less noble and more intriguing than the myth. The Hayes of legend was a product of the popular press at the time, the construction of editors who were determined to create a romantic figure to feed their readers' appetites. This, the first proper biography of this legendary nineteenth-century figure, simultaneously sorts the facts from the fantasy and recounts an amazing true story of a genuine rogue and adventurer, against the backdrop of the Pacific during the great age of sail and trade. Read more

The dramatic history of America's tropical paradiseThe history of Hawaii may be said to be the story of arrivals—from the eruption of volcanoes on the ocean floor 18,000 feet below, the first hardy seeds that over millennia found their way to the islands, and the confused birds blown from their migratory routes, to the early Polynesian adventurers who sailed across the Pacific in double canoes, the Spanish galleons en route to the Philippines, and the British navigators in search of a Northwest Passage, soon followed by pious Protestant missionaries, shipwrecked sailors, and rowdy Irish poachers escaped from Botany Bay—all wanderers washed ashore, sometimes by accident. This is true of many cultures, but in Hawaii, no one seems to have left. And in Hawaii, a set of myths accompanied each of these migrants—legends that shape our understanding of this mysterious place. In Paradise of the Pacific, Susanna Moore, the award-winning author of In the Cut and The Life of Objects, pieces together the elusive, dramatic story of late-eighteenth-century Hawaii—its kings and queens, gods and goddesses, missionaries, migrants, and explorers—a not-so-distant time of abrupt transition, in which an isolated pagan world of human sacrifice and strict taboo, without a currency or a written language, was confronted with the equally ritualized world of capitalism, Western education, and Christian values. Read more

Discover the captivating wonders of Papua New Guinea in this insightful book, "Papua New Guinea: Everything You Need to Know." Delve into the heart of this enchanting country, from its lush rainforests to its vibrant coral reefs, and uncover the rich tapestry of its cultural heritage.Readers will embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and unique traditions of Papua New Guinea. From the towering peaks of the Highlands to the remote villages along the Sepik River, each chapter offers a glimpse into the country's remarkable beauty and complexity.Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking new adventures or an armchair explorer yearning to learn more about the world, "Papua New Guinea: Everything You Need to Know" is a must-read. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this extraordinary country, and let its beauty and diversity inspire your own journey of discovery. Purchase your copy today and embark on an unforgettable voyage to the land of the unexpected. Please note that this book is a text-only book and does not include pictures. Read more