First published in 1939 and long out of print, this book remains unique as the only full and detailed account by a social anthropologist of a complete pagan Polynesian ritual cycle. This new single-volume edition omits some of the Tikopia vernacular texts, but includes a new theoretical introduction; postscripts have also been supplied to some of the chapters comparing the performances of 1928-9 with those witnessed by Professor Firth on his second visit to Tikopia in 1952. There is a specially written Epilogue on the final eclipse of the traditional ritual, based on a third visit by the author during the summer of 1966.

Texts and Contexts is concerned with the development of Pacific Islands history as a specialization in its own right. Specifically, this volume examines the foundational texts that pioneered and consolidated the new subdiscipline and served as the building blocks and stepping stone for further developments in the field. Thirty-five texts, all of which represent defining points in the development of Pacific Islands historiography, are examined. Much more than retrospective appraisals of the foundational texts, the individual chapters consider a text or complimentary texts within the context of the time of writing and gauge what ongoing influence they exerted. In some cases they suggest how a particular text has been superseded by subsequent work that breaks new conceptual ground in the ongoing process of revisionism. Contributors: Chris Ballard on Gavin Souter; Ivan Brady on Greg Dening; I. C. Campbell on Norma McArthur; Bronwen Douglas and Doug Munro on H. E. Maude and Dorothy Shineberg; Michael Goldsmith on Marshall Sahlins; David Hanlon on Francis X. Hezel; K. R. Howe on Andrew Sharp and David Lewis; Brij V.Lal on K. L. Gillion and Peter Corris; Hugh Laracy on Niel Gunson and Ta‘unga; Lamont Lindstrom on Peter Worsley and Peter Lawrence; Doug Munro on Douglas L. Oliver, R. P. Gilson, J. W. Davidson, and K. R. Howe; Vincent O’Malley on Keith Sinclair and Alan Ward; Jon Osorio on Ralph Kuykendall and Gavan Daws; Tom Ryan on Bernard Smith; Jane Samson on W. P. Morrell and Deryck Scarr; Francis West on Francis West and Gavan Daws; Glyndwr Williams on O. H. K. Spate.

"Out of deep and wider personal experience of the Pacific Island churches, as well as a mastery of the documentary sources, Charles Forman has produced a very valuable and interesting book. The Pacific Basin assumes an increasingly central place in world history. The scattered Christian communities of that ocean are entering vigorously into worldwide ecumenical relationships. It is increasingly important to understand these churches and their potential contribution. Much of the popular mythology, not to say demonology, of missionary Christianity is linked with these Pacific Islands. This book puts the whole story in perspective as it brings us up to date and suggests the issues of today and tomorrow."David M. Stowe, Executive Vice President, United Church Board of World Ministries"This book covers the whole are of the Pacific Churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, and the English and French. It states the historical facts and has a prophetic outlook to the changing Pacific Christianity of tomorrow."S. 'Amanaki Havea, Principal, The Pacific Theological College, Suva, Fiji Islands"The nineteenth century story of Christianity in the Pacific is well known especially through the biographies of its heroes. Charles Forman has written the twentieth century story, with careful attention to the sources, and with great clarity. We see the steps from mission to church, and from village congregation to ecumenical involvement. Particularly helpful are the thematic treatments of cargo cults, modern sects, the effects of World War II, independence, and nation building. Can these traditionally minded Christian communities respond effectively to modern secularism and the mixture of cultures? The author shows that they can, and so enables the small Pacific Island Churches to contribute further to the world church. The bibliography is an excellent tool, and the footnotes repeatedly reveal how well the author knows the churches and the people who have led them."Bernard Thorogood, General Secretary and Clerk of the Assembly, The United Reformed Church, London

A fascinating and well-researched look into what we really know about cannibalism.

An encyclopaedia of information on major aspects of Pacific life, including the physical environment, peoples, history, politics, economy, society and culture. The CD-ROM contains hyperlinks between section titles and sections, a library of all the maps in the encyclopaedia, and a photo library.