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Nathaniel B. Emerson

Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula

Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula

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  • More about Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula

Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula (1909) is a collection of hulas and essays by Nathaniel B. Emerson, providing an entertaining and authoritative look at one of Hawaiis most cherished traditions. Emerson, a Hawaiian-born American, saw himself as a unifying figure capable of interpreting the ancient and sacred tradition of the hula for an English-speaking audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press


Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula, published in 1909, is a remarkable collection of hulas and essays by Nathaniel B. Emerson. Emerson's dedication to translating previously unwritten songs, conducting interviews with native Hawaiians, and consulting the works of indigenous historians resulted in an entertaining and authoritative exploration of one of Hawaii's most cherished traditions.

In the tale of Pele, the goddess sought the company of her sisters in dance and song, but they all declined, claiming ignorance of the art. However, the youngest and favorite sister, Hiiaka, stepped forward. When jokingly invited to dance, Hiiaka humbly complied, surprising everyone. The wave-beaten sand beach became her stage, the open air her hall. Her feet, hands, and swaying form harmonized with her impromptu improvisation.

As an American born in Hawaii and actively involved in the annexation of the islands, Emerson likely viewed himself as a unifying figure capable of interpreting the ancient and sacred tradition of the hula for an English-speaking audience. The hula, a Polynesian dance often accompanied by instruments, chanting, or singing, holds deep cultural significance in Hawaii. Emerson's work combines critical analysis with examples of popular hulas in both Hawaiian and English, aiming to preserve a significant part of the Hawaiian Islands' rich cultural heritage.

The edition of Nathaniel B. Emerson's Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hawaiian literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this reimagined classic is a treasure for modern readers seeking to delve into the world of Hawaii's cultural heritage.


Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513134680

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