Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii, or, Owhyee
Author
William Ellis
Date1826
Object number00001362
NameBook
MediumLeather, gilt, printed text on paper
DimensionsOverall: 215 x 149 x 30 mm, 0.75 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionA book titled "Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii, or Owhyee; with remarks on the history, traditions, manners, customs, and language of the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands". By William Ellis, a Missionary from the Society and Sandwich Islands.
HistoryWilliam Ellis was a missionary attached to the London Missionary Society and along with his wife Mary, was posted to the islands of Polynesia. During the next eight years they primarily stayed in Hawaii, travelling throughout the islands meeting other missionaries, many Hawaiian officials and royalty.
Ellis learnt the Hawaiian language and in addition to establishing numerous churches also created printing press.
On his return to England in 1824 he published this narrative and became a prominent figure in the London Missionary Society. After Mary died, Ellis married Sarah Stickney who was an established author in her own right. After some years in England, Ellis resumed his foreign missionary work by travelling to Madagascar where he stayed for four years. He experienced what was seen as a highly successful mission there and returned to England where he died in 1872.SignificanceIn addition to his missionary work for the London Missionary Society, William Ellis went on to become a successful writer about the topography, history, botany, and ethnography of the Pacific region.
