Subject
Samoan Islands -- History Books
Best books
Robert Louis Stevenson
A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa
"A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical work published in 1892. After settling in Samoa in 1889, Stevenson witnessed the island nation's civil war firsthand, where competing Samoan factions clashed amid interference from three global powers—the United States, Germany, and Britain. His account proved so controversial it led to official recalls and nearly resulted in his own deportation from the islands he had come to call home.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 17
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 17" by Stevenson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume, part of a comprehensive collection of Stevenson’s works, focuses on the tumultuous history of Samoa during a critical eight-year period marked by internal discord and foreign intervention. It examines the political dynamics, societal customs, and conflicts that shaped the lives of the Samoan people during this time of unrest. The opening of this volume begins with a preface acknowledging the challenges in capturing the essence of a complex contemporary history that involves both indigenous and foreign influences. The author reflects on the substantial cultural differences between the Samoan way of life and that of Western powers, highlighting the intricacies of their socio-political structure. The text introduces key figures, such as Laupepa, the king of Samoa, as well as the foreign influences that complicate the native governance structure, setting the stage for an exploration of the clashes that arise from both internal rivalries and external pressures in the Pacific island context. Through detailed observations, Stevenson lays the groundwork for a rich narrative that promises to deliver insights into the effects of colonialism, cultural misunderstandings, and the quest for power amid chaos.
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