Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific

The Pacific Ocean covers nearly one-third of the Earth’s surface. Within that seemingly endless body of water lie thousands of islands. When European colonizers first came upon these far-flung islands, they were often surprised to find that they were already inhabited. What is more, over the years they discovered that Pacific Islanders and Europeans, though separated by extraordinary distances, shared many cultural traits, not the least of which were an intimate knowledge of celestial navigation and skilled boat building. In this latest work, Thomas (historical anthropology, Cambridge Univ.; director, Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology; Islanders: The Pacific in the Age of Empire) provides a sweeping investigation of the archaeology, genetics, and linguistics that scholars have used to understand how Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia were populated and grew into successful societies. Maps of the islands and photographs of the animals native to them help to guide readers and provide additional context.