ELLIS, William, reverend

Polynesian Researches, during a Residence of Nearly Six Years in the South Sea Islands ; including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the Islands - with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants. London, Fisher, Son, & Jackson, 1830. 2 volumes in-8 (24 x 133 mm) of XVI, 536 pp. 2 maps, one of which is folding, 4 copper-engraved plates including a frontispiece portrait for volume I; VIII, 576 pp. 4 copper-engraved plates, one of which is a frontispiece, and 1 woodcut plate for volume II. Half-brick calf with corners, spine ribbed, edges speckled (period binding). O'Reilly, 7556. First edition, second issue copy under the date of 1830. "William Ellis, 1794-1872, missionary of the London Missionary Society, arrived in Moorea, with his wife and daughter, on February 13, 1817. He brought with him a printing press and the practice of this craft. The mission owes its first publications to him. He went to Huahine on June 20, 1818. Left this mission in December 1822 for the Sandwich Islands which he had visited during the year with the delegates Tyerman and Bennet. He returned to England in 1825 and worked in various capacities for the London Missionary Society. The whole of the end of his life will be particularly devoted to Madagascar. A work composed by Ellis after his return to England from the South Seas and based on his daily diary, the documents of the L.M.S., the information provided by his colleagues Barff and Williams. A history of the origins, progress and results of the L.M.S. evangelical work in the Society Islands and Leeward Islands, mixed with personal reminiscences and a very full description of the customs of the people of these islands, which were well known during Ellis's six years of residence there and in which he had the language. Very circumstantial details of first Polynesian impressions" (O'Reilly). O'Reilly considers this work one of the most abundant sources for the history of ancient Tahiti. Freckles; bindings rubbed, spines weakened.