Papua New Guinea

Adam in Plumes [New Guinea] – Colin Simpson.

A first edition published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney in 1954. Octavo, 268 pages, many illustrations, great condition albeit small piece missing from free end paper. Dust jacket to die for.

This is Simpson’s fourth book and third non-fiction work, and the second time in New Guinea.

An often overlooked account of the Wahgi Valley, an astonishing place, so immense in New Guinea. And, the Leahy brothers who following an expedition set out to live among, exploit and integrate (they certainly did that) with the local people.

Very nicely illustrated with some quite special images … we particularly like the Wahgi man brandishing his stone axe at Jim Taylor … some passion there.

Adam in Plumes – Well among the Wahgi.

$30.00

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Argonauts of the Western Pacific – Bronislaw Malinowski – First edition 1922

An account of Native Enterprise and Adventures in the Archipelagos of Melanesian New Guinea.

Malinowski’s other landmark book published by Routledge, London in 1922. Octavo, 527 pages with 5 maps and 65 illustrations from l photographs. We have another copy, layer published but with provenance.

Rebound nicely at some time in black cloth covered boards with gilt titles to spine. A very good copy accepting this.

A richly illustrated account of the ceremonial exchange of manufactured shell valuables linking the Trobriand Islands with other island groups in Eastern New Guinea. Malinowski follows a canoe voyage around the Kula ring of islands.

Following an introduction about subject, method and scope which is regarded as some of the most influential pages in the field of social anthropology .. Malinowski explores the country and inhabitants of Kula; the Natives of the Trobriand Islands; Canoes and sailing; Ceremonial Buildings at Waga; Ceremonial Visiting; an Overseas Expedition; the Fleet at Muwa; Sailing to Pilolu; a Shipwreck; in the Amphlets – the Sociology of the Kula; Tewara and Sanaroa- mythology; the beach at Sarubwoyna; the journey Home; the return visit of the Dobuans to Sinaketa; Magic and Kula; the Power of Words in Magic; Expeditions to Kiriwinan d Kitava …. meaning of Kula.

Malinowski a pioneer in the field of social anthropology and perhaps not yet eclipsed and, the most interesting of subjects – First Edition 1922.

$80.00

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The Happy Isles of Oceania (Paddling the Pacific) – Paul Theroux

Value for money, the best modern book by far on the western Pacific – Oceania by the talented Theroux.

Published by Hamish Hamilton, London in 1992 a first edition. Thick octavo, 541 pages with maps at the end for those that are unfamiliar.

Seemingly Theroux was encouraged to visit the Trobriand Islands by Malinowski’s “the Sexual Life of Savages” a ground breaking and “’writer’s taboo” breaking work from the esteemed anthropologist.

All of this is after the Land of the Long White Cloud and before the paddle to Fifi and Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Marquesas. Then straying east to Easter Island and up and back a bit to Hawaii and “Paradise” … and some others in-between.

Theroux throws his lot into the Pacific.

$30.00

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Albert Hahl – Governor in New Guinea – Edited and Translated by Sack and Clark

Albert Hahl (1868-1945) was the German Governor of New Guinea until relived through the consequences of WWI. This excellent book about his life and work in New Guinea was first published as “Gouverneursjahre” in Germany. This edition translated by Peter Sack and Dymphna Clark, published by ANU, Australia in 1980.

Octavo, 164 pages, illustrated from period photographs. The editors have added significant introductory content of 22 pages which must significantly enhance the original work. A glossary of the many German named organisations and institutions is included.

Includes maps of German New Guinea, Astrolabe Bay, Ponape and New Britain. Photographs of the survivors of the Ehlers Expedition, Ponape, Hotel Furst Bismark, Herbertshohe, Namanula etc hint at the contents.

A scarce book of an important story in the history of Papua New Guinea.

Albert Hahl put his lasting stamp on New Guinea

$40.00

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Zoo Quest for a Dragon including the Quest for the Paradise Birds – David Attenborough

Two books in one and a first of type published by Lutterworth for the Readers Book Club. An unusual arrangement the Dragon book has previously been published by Lutterworth, the Birds of paradise book was specially written by Attenborough for the Book Club and has since become somewhat of a classic.

Published in 1959 , a first edition effectively, 256 pages, illustrated from original photographs, simple map etc. tallow cloth covered boards, the dust jacket is nearly all there bar some loss front lower area; now protected in removable Brodart. Good image of a young Sir David.

Pages to 159 regarding the Indonesian expedition taking in some culture before the focus on natural history. Taking in Bali, Borneo, Sumbawa and of course Komodo for the Dragons.

In New Guinea we go to the Waghi region and then up the Jimi River Valley … with much on the unusual people encountered and of course the beautiful birds.

Attenborough out among the animals and birds – how it all started.

$30.00

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Through Wildest Papua – Jack Hides 1937

Published by Blackie, London and Glasgow in 1937 part of the Travel Library Series. Not sure what sort of “’travel” they were envisaging you would have to be pretty tough. Published in the USA under a different title “Savage Patrol”.

Octavo, 165 pages, end paper maps, very good illustrations throughout from period photographs. Presume previous ownership name cut from free endpaper corner, some spots to page edges otherwise a very good copy of a getting scarce and important New Guinea account.

With an introduction by Sir Hubert Murray a great supporter of the Port Moresby born Hides. On patrol Jack Hides describes in vivid detail the raid on Lakekamu and the patrol to Loloipa west of Mount Nelson at the source of the Alabule River. Stunning photographs as suggested.

Jack Hides, Voyager Hero, on Patrol deep into New Guinea

$90.00

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Adam in Plumes [New Guinea] – Colin Simpson.

Argonauts of the Western Pacific – Bronislaw Malinowski – First edition 1922

The Happy Isles of Oceania (Paddling the Pacific) – Paul Theroux

Albert Hahl – Governor in New Guinea – Edited and Translated by Sack and Clark

Zoo Quest for a Dragon including the Quest for the Paradise Birds – David Attenborough

Through Wildest Papua – Jack Hides 1937

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