Review by Choice Review
Thorough research in government, company, and mission records combined with an excellent ethnographic understanding and clear prose have resulted in what will be the standard history of the Solomon Islands for some time. Three themes flow through and structure this chronological narrative. The first is the relationship of islanders (both interior bush people and ``saltwater'' coastal dwellers) with their environment. Here, Bennett is particularly good at detailing important characteristics of traditional society. Second is the relationship of Solomon Islanders with each other, especially the growing consciousness of their shared identity-bush and coastal, island to island. Third is the relationship of islanders with the outside world, from explorers and whalers to missionaries and resident traders, to British district officers, even to Japanese and American soldiers, and beyond. The interpretation balances an emphasis on the assorted facets of change with a sense of continuity. Bennett demonstrates the resilience of Melanesian values despite the economic and political inroads and intrusions from the outside. Helpful maps, instructive tables and graphs, and lengthy appendixes that provide additional detail on contacts, trade, interracial violence, names and locations of colonial administrators. College, university, and public libraries.-D.D. Martin, Towson State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
