Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific

Voyagers is a book that explores the 60,000-year history of how the Pacific islands were settled. It was written by anthropologist Nicholas Thomas and highlights the latest research from linguistics, archaeology, and the re-enactment of voyages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

The Pacific islands have a remarkable history of sixty thousand years, spanning back to the dawn of civilization. This captivating narrative takes readers on an epic journey, exploring the intricate details of how these islands were settled. Through a wealth of new research and insights, the book highlights a dizzying burst of knowledge that sheds light on the complex tapestry of Oceanic navigation.

Voyagers, penned by the distinguished anthropologist Nicholas Thomas, is a refreshing addition to the canon of literature that contemplates Oceanic navigation. The book delves deep into the mysteries of the seaborne migrations that populated the islands between Asia and the Americas. Drawing on the latest research, including insights gained from linguistics, archaeology, and the re-enactment of voyages, Thomas presents a dazzling account of these long-distance migrations, the sea-going technologies that enabled them, and the societies that they left in their wake.

The Pacific islands have a rich and complex history, shaped by a multitude of factors. The first European explorers to visit Oceania, from the sixteenth century onwards, were astounded and perplexed to find populations thriving so far from the nearest continents. Who were these people, and where did they come from? In Voyagers, Thomas charts the course of these seaborne migrations, providing a comprehensive account of the people, cultures, and technologies that shaped the Pacific islands.

One of the key themes of the book is the development of sea-going technologies. From the early canoe voyages to the sophisticated sailing ships of the eighteenth century, the Pacific islands were crisscrossed by a network of trade routes and navigational systems. Thomas explores the various innovations that allowed these migrations to take place, including the use of navigational instruments, the development of sailing techniques, and the construction of sturdy ships.

The book also delves into the societies that were left in the wake of these migrations. Thomas examines the diverse cultures and traditions that emerged on the Pacific islands, from the complex social structures of the Polynesians to the intricate religious beliefs of the Micronesians. He explores the impact of these migrations on the indigenous populations, as well as the ways in which they adapted to their new environments.

Voyagers is a masterful work of scholarship that offers a fresh perspective on the history of the Pacific islands. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and geography of the region. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, insightful analysis, and stunning illustrations that bring the past to life.

In conclusion, Voyagers is a remarkable achievement that provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the sixty-thousand-year history of the Pacific islands. Through a wealth of new research and insights, the book sheds light on the complex tapestry of Oceanic navigation and the societies that were shaped by these long-distance migrations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and geography of the Pacific region.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 134 x 199 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803284637