What actually happened as Europeans and peoples of the Pacific discovered each other? How have their respective senses of the past influenced their understanding of the present? And what are the consequences of their meeting? In this collection of essays, scholars from European, Polynesian, and Settler backgrounds provide answers to these questions. Writing from, and between, a variety of disciplines (history, anthropology, Maori Studies, literary criticism, law, cultural studies, art history, Pacific Studies), they show how the Pacific reveals a more various and contradictory history than that supposed by such homogenizing metropolitan myths as the introduction of civilization to savage peoples, the general ruin of indigenous cultures by an imperial juggernaut, or the mimicry of European models by an abject population. They examine contact from both sides of beaches throughout Polynesia, exposing the many inconsistencies from which Pacific history is made. Some of the essays consider the extent to which traditional European ideas about organizing and legitimizing claims to territory and power were invoked and problematized in the South Pacific; some consider the violence endemic in such scenes; others examine the aesthetic discourses with which early travelers and settlers attempted to make sense of the Pacific in the aftermath of "discovery." But rather than reiterate the myths and anti-myths of conquest, these essays show how local differences have made and do make a difference. They emphasize the Pacific's capacity to absorb and transform the impact of Europe, an impact that has been as notable for its ambivalence and confusion as for its single-minded pursuit of hegemony. The editors develop these themes in a wide-ranging introduction that relates Pacific concerns to a more global set of theoretical and methodological problems, including current work in post-colonial and subaltern studies.

What actually happened as Europeans and peoples of the Pacific discovered each other? How have their respective senses of the past influenced their understanding of the present? And what are the consequences of their meeting? In this collection of essays, scholars from European, Polynesian, and Settler backgrounds provide answers to these questions. Writing from, and between, a variety of disciplines (history, anthropology, Maori Studies, literary criticism, law, cultural studies, art history, Pacific Studies), they show how the Pacific reveals a more various and contradictory history than that supposed by such homogenizing metropolitan myths as the introduction of civilization to savage peoples, the general ruin of indigenous cultures by an imperial juggernaut, or the mimicry of European models by an abject population. They examine contact from both sides of beaches throughout Polynesia, exposing the many inconsistencies from which Pacific history is made. Some of the essays consider the extent to which traditional European ideas about organizing and legitimizing claims to territory and power were invoked and problematized in the South Pacific; some consider the violence endemic in such scenes; others examine the aesthetic discourses with which early travelers and settlers attempted to make sense of the Pacific in the aftermath of "discovery." But rather than reiterate the myths and anti-myths of conquest, these essays show how local differences have made and do make a difference. They emphasize the Pacific's capacity to absorb and transform the impact of Europe, an impact that has been as notable for its ambivalence and confusion as for its single-minded pursuit of hegemony. The editors develop these themes in a wide-ranging introduction that relates Pacific concerns to a more global set of theoretical and methodological problems, including current work in post-colonial and subaltern studies.

This beautifully illustrated volume offers an exclusive tour of 100 of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Ranging across all the coasts of the world--the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the quaintness of Love Beach in the Bahamas, and the metropolitan shoreline of Copacabana in Brazil--this beautifully illustrated volume offers an exclusive tour of 100 of the most beautiful beaches in the world; each one a trip of a lifetime. With locations selected by some of the world's most qualified and sophisticated travel journalists and photographers, this book offers a unique perspective for travelers everywhere by introducing far-off destinations that are not necessarily on the more familiar tourist itineraries. Beaches: 100 Ultimate Escapes includes useful maps and website references, making this an indispensable reference as well as a sumptuous book for the armchair traveler.

Discover Thailand's tropical coastline with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to snorkel the Similan islands, feast on fresh seafood in Krabi, island-hop from Phuket to Ko Tarutao, or discover the untamed beauty of Ko Kood, The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. Full-colour maps throughout - navigate Bangkok's sprawling streets or Phetchaburi's temple-filled town without needing to get online. Stunning images - arich collection of inspiring colour photography. Things not to miss - Rough Guides' rundown of the best sights and experiences along Thailand's coastline and on its many islands. Itineraries - carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. Detailed regional coverage - whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered include : Bangkok; Ko Kood; Phetchaburi; Ko Samui; Ko Pha Ngan; Ko Tao; Ko Similan; Ko Phi Phi; Krabi's Railay peninsula;Phuket; Ko Lanta; Ko Jum; Ko Yao Noi; Ko Chang; Ko Tarutao. Attractions include : Wat Pho, Ang Thong National Marine Park, AoPhang Nga National Park, The Grand Palace, Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao Sok National Park, Emerald Cave. Basics - essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, the media, festivals, outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, and more. Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, religion, recommended books, language and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands About Rough Guides: Escape the everyday with Rough Guides. We are a leading travel publisher known for our "tell it like it is" attitude, up-to-date content and great writing. Since 1982, we've published books covering more than 120 destinations around the globe, with an ever-growing series of ebooks, a range of beautiful, inspirational reference titles, and an award-winning website. We pride ourselves on our accurate, honest and informed travel guides.

Blending global scope with local depth, this book throws new light on important themes. Spanning four centuries and vast space, it combines the history of ideas with particular histories of encounters between European voyagers and Indigenous people in Oceania (Island Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands).

This practical travel guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This Thailand's Beaches & Islands guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make Thailand's Beaches & Islands easier to navigate while you're there. This guide book to Thailand's Beaches & Islands has been fully updated post-COVID-19. The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands covers: Bangkok, The East Coast, Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast, Southern Thailand: the Andaman Coast, The deep South. Inside this Thailand's Beaches & Islands travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Thailand's Beaches & Islands, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Phetchaburi, to family activities in child-friendly places, like Ang Thong National Marine Park or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Ko Pha Ngan. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including Thailand's Beaches & Islands entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of Thailand's Beaches & Islands, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this Thailand's Beaches & Islands travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for diving, snorkelling, sea-canoeing, cycling, massages, boat trips or rock-climbing. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Phetchaburi and Ko Pha Ngan's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to Thailand's Beaches & Islands, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this Thailand's Beaches & Islands guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands features fascinating insights into Thailand's Beaches & Islands, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave Complex and the spectacular Ko Mook. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Bangkok, Phuket and many more locations in Thailand's Beaches & Islands, reduce the need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.