Last days in Paradise

George Farwell

Published by The Travel Book Club, hardcover

FOREWORD
MORE THAN TEN thousand books have been written on the immortal theme of Tahiti since Captain Louis Antoine de Bougainville inspired the 18th-century writers of the Age of Enlightenment to envisage a more free and beautiful way of life for European man. Now, in the Age of the H-bomb, it appears as if the old Tahiti so many of us loved is on the point of vanishing. I would like to add my tribute to a generous, impulsive and sturdy people who have given me more over the years, spiritually as well as in a material sense, than I could hope ever to return. I pray that they will survive their present trials and regain their independence.

For those readers who find difficulty with the Tahitian phrases I have used, a glossary is appended at the end of this book.

Grateful acknowledgement is made for the assistante given by the Librarian and staff of the Mitchell Library, Public Library of New South Wales; the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu; and the Socičté des Etudes Polynesiennes, Papeete. Also to my wife Noni for her advice and tolerance, not least in typing the MS. during Tahiti's siesta hours and aboard ship.
G. F.