Description
Book SynopsisJohn 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.
Table of ContentsMartin’s Preface / Martin’s Introduction / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8 / Chapter 9 / Chapter 10 / Chapter 11 / Chapter 12 / Chapter 13 / Chapter 14 / Chapter 15 / Chapter 16 / Chapter 17 / Chapter 18 / Chapter 19 / Chapter 20 / Chapter 21 / Chapter 22 / Chapter 23 Surgical Skill of the Tonga Islanders / Appendix : A Grammar and Vocabulary / Summary of Grammar Review / Bibliography / Index
