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LOT 0305

Vason's Four years residence in Tonga, 1810

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Heading:
Author: [Vason, George]
Title: An Authentic Narrative of Four Years' Residence at Tongataboo, one of the Friendly Islands, in the South-Sea
Place Published: London
Publisher:Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme
Date Published: 1810
Description:

iii-xvi, 17-234, [1] pp. Engraved frontispiece with chart of the island and harbor of Tongataboo. (8vo) 20.8x13 cm (8¼x5¼"), later half-calf with marbled boards, ruled and lettered in gilt on spine. First Edition.

In 1796, at the behest of the London Missionary Society, bricklayer George Vason sailed aboard the Duff as a missionary to the Polynesian kingdoms. Embracing the native culture including the practice of Tongan tattoo, he abandoned Christianity, married a local woman, and managed a plantation. After a civil war resulted in the deaths of three missionaries and the hasty removal of the rest, Vason suffered guilt and shame at his loss of faith and wrote this recantation. A fascinating account of Polynesia at the beginning of European contact.
Condition Report: Some rubbing to spine and along joints; leaves somewhat toned, some pencil marginalia, hints of foxing; very good or better.

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Time, Location
19 Dec 2019
USA, Berkeley, CA
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[ translate ]

Heading:
Author: [Vason, George]
Title: An Authentic Narrative of Four Years' Residence at Tongataboo, one of the Friendly Islands, in the South-Sea
Place Published: London
Publisher:Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme
Date Published: 1810
Description:

iii-xvi, 17-234, [1] pp. Engraved frontispiece with chart of the island and harbor of Tongataboo. (8vo) 20.8x13 cm (8¼x5¼"), later half-calf with marbled boards, ruled and lettered in gilt on spine. First Edition.

In 1796, at the behest of the London Missionary Society, bricklayer George Vason sailed aboard the Duff as a missionary to the Polynesian kingdoms. Embracing the native culture including the practice of Tongan tattoo, he abandoned Christianity, married a local woman, and managed a plantation. After a civil war resulted in the deaths of three missionaries and the hasty removal of the rest, Vason suffered guilt and shame at his loss of faith and wrote this recantation. A fascinating account of Polynesia at the beginning of European contact.
Condition Report: Some rubbing to spine and along joints; leaves somewhat toned, some pencil marginalia, hints of foxing; very good or better.

[ translate ]
Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
19 Dec 2019
USA, Berkeley, CA
Auction House
Unlock
View it on