Ian C. Campbell - Böcker

Campbell presents a study of the lives and experiences of Europeans and Americans in the age of early industrial overseas expansions, who became detatched from their own societies and lived, sometimes for many years, among Pacific Islanders as integrated members of their communities, often with little hope of returning home and frequently with no wish to do so. As engaging as primitivism was to European philosophers, the realities of contact between seafarers and islanders who faced previously unimagined technological and human marvels were much more pragmatic. Jealousy, ethnocentrism, and violence on both sides competed with humanitarian interests and indigenous hospitality to shape the emerging pattern of relationships.At first, Europeans crossed the oceans only for compelling reasons: the passion for scientific research, the dedication to Christian evangelism, or the uncompromising profit motive. Later, settlers and government officials followed in the wake of these early explorers. Scattered in the interstices of contact relationships were large numbers of men whose interest was not in changing native society or profiting from it, but in experiencing primitive life and simply surviving itself. These men included castaways and deserters, some abandoned by their captains and others kidnapped by the islanders. Their prospects depended on their successful integration into Polynesian society—and in making themselves useful by applying European knowledge and skills to local situations and by mediating between islanders and their insistent visitors.

The papers included in this volume were amongst day running of the conference, and Ms Julia those presented at the 5th International Epheme­ Reed, Ms Kim James, Ms Anne Devereaux, roptera Conference and the 9th International Mr Peter Green, Ms Catriona Smith who assist­ Plecoptera Conference at the Marysville Hotel, ed them, Mr David Ginn and all the staff at the Marysville Australia from the 18th to the 24th of Marysville Hotel also deserve special thanks for February 1987. The conference was attended by the the superb catering and relaxed atmosphere 62 participants from 21 countries. This was the they created which contributed so much to the frrst time the two conferences had been held conference. together, and the frrst time either had been held in All the papers included in this volume were the southern hemisphere. refereed prior to acceptance, and I would like to The papers included here cover a broad spectrum thank the following referees: Dr J. Davis, of research into the two orders of aquatic insects, Dr L. Barmuta, Dr R. Marchant, Mr T. Doeg, with the emphasis on life histories, which was the Dr P. Bailey, Dr S. Bunn, Dr R. Rowe, Dr R. theme of a joint symposium held during the con­ Pearson, Ms C. Yule and Dr P. Suter. Ms Sue ference. The paper by Dr Brittain was presented Mitchell assisted with the typing and Ms Kerrle as a keynote address to that symposium. The Swadling with the proof-reading of the text.

John Martin (1789-1869) was a London-based, Edinburgh-educated physician interested in anthropological matters. This comprehensive account of Tongan Society is his only book. He was inspired to write it by a chance encounter with its subject, William Mariner (1791-1853) who spent four years (1806-1810) in Tonga, in the South Pacific, at a time before any substantial European influence disturbed or modified that society. Mariner, an extraordinarily mature and perceptive youth, became thoroughly imbued with Tongan language and culture as the adopted son of the most powerful chief in Tonga. Martin’s intelligent engagement with Mariner resulted in a compelling narrative and a comprehensive account of Tongan society which, together with the accompanying grammar and vocabulary, became a classic. Often celebrated as an extraordinary real-life adventure story, it is a pioneering work of anthropology, and for 200 years it has been a primary and authoritative source for research into Tongan history and culture.