Historical Dictionary of Polynesia: (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)

The term Polynesia refers to a cultural and geographical area in the Pacific Ocean, bound by what is commonly referred to as the Polynesian Triangle, which consists of Hawai'i in the north, New Zealand in the southwest, and Easter Island in the southeast. Thousands of islands are scattered throughout this area, most of which are currently included in one of the modern island states of American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawai'i, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna. The third edition of the Historical Dictionary of Polynesia greatly expands on the previous editions through a chronology, an introductory essay, an expansive bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, organizations, and other aspects of Polynesian history from the earliest times to the present. Appendixes of the major islands and atolls within Polynesia, the rulers and administrators of the 13 major island states, and basic demographic information of those states are also included.

About the Author :
Robert D. Craig is retired emeritus professor of history from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage. He has published numerous books, monographs, and research papers, as well as contributions to several encyclopedias. He currently teaches adjunct classes for the University of South Florida at its Sarasota campus.

Review :
This revision to the 2002 edition by Pacific studies specialist Craig (history, emeritus, Alaska Pacific Univ.) has been fully updated to include developments as recent as early 2010. Opening with an expanded, 20-page chronology that begins with 1300 B.C.E., the book continues with a valuable 13-page introductory essay-style overview of Polynesian history, divided by major periods. A majority of the book is devoted to 400 alphabetized entries explaining the major figures, places, items, rituals, and organizations vital to the cultures of Polynesia's 13 island states. An amazing 81-page bibliography organized by nation makes this a must-have for Pacific studies researchers. Part of the Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East series, this volume includes a chronology of events in Polynesia and a brief general introduction. Entries on any number of political, historical, and social topics make up the bulk of the dictionary. Appendixes cover the rulers of the various governments in the countries and territories of Polynesia and the names and locations of all the islands that fall under the definition of Polynesia. There are also an extensive bibliography of books and articles on the region of Polynesia and separate bibliographies for each of the various colonies and independent countries. If a library has a copy of the first or second edition, it is well worth updating the collection with this title. Author Craig, a professor emeritus at Alaska Pacific University, has conducted research on and lived in Polynesia for extended periods.