The Gifts of Civilization: Germs and Genocide in Hawaii

by O.A. Bushnell

Book Overview

In 1778 Captain James Cook made his first visit to the Hawaiian Islands. The members of his expedition and subsequent visitors brought to the previously isolated Hawaiian people new things, novel ideas, and, of greatest consequence, devastating alien germs. The infectious diseases introduced since 1778 have claimed more Hawaiian lives than all other causes of death combined.

During their long isolation in space and time, Hawaiians had not...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824814576
• ISBN13: 9780824814571
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

FASCINATING, INSIGHTFUL

This book is a fascinating academic collection of essays about post-contact Hawaii's history in the context of health and medicine. Although a bit admittedly biased, the Kahunas are definitely not romanticized in this book. The constant reference to anecdotal quotes or comments from critical westerners about Hawaii's traditional beliefs and Kahunas got old sometimes. I especially enjoyed the rare quotes from his references that I would never be able to find. Bushnell tries to present a balanced historical look at old Hawaii's medicine and health. It is a great reference and very readable.