Gone Native in Polynesia

Focusing on the experiences of Europeans and Americans during early industrial expansion, the study explores how these individuals became integrated members of Pacific Islander communities, often desiring to remain there permanently. The narrative contrasts romantic notions of primitivism with the harsh realities of cultural contact, highlighting the complex dynamics of jealousy, ethnocentrism, and violence alongside humanitarian efforts and indigenous hospitality. This examination reveals the multifaceted relationships that developed amid unprecedented technological interactions.