Embark on a journey through the vast and mysterious Pacific with Cristiano Luchini's captivating sea-inspired novel "Marquesas. The great journey to Polynesia." Drawing on the pages of Pedro Fernandes de Queirós' "Memoriales de las Indias Australes," the story offers a vividly imagined narrative account of the landing of four ships on one of the islands that would later be called Marquesas. It was in July 1595, and the mission was commanded by Admiral Mendaña de Neira, a daring explorer who braved the treacherous waters of the South Sea in search of new lands and riches. As you read, you'll be transported to a world of adventure and discovery, where the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean hides untold wonders and dangers. You'll feel the salty sea spray on your face and hear the creaking of the wooden ships as they navigate the turbulent waves. You'll meet a cast of unforgettable characters, from the intrepid Admiral Mendaña and the resourceful Captain Pedro Fernández de Queirós to the brave sailors who risked their lives on the high seas. But this is not just a tale of adventure and exploration. It is also a story of romance, as Queirós, the "Don Quixote of the South Sea," falls in love with the islands he encounters and becomes obsessed with exploring their hidden secrets. And it is a story of ambition and betrayal, as Queirós' dreams of conquest and glory clash with the harsh realities of colonialism and imperial expansion. With its richly detailed historical backdrop and its vividly drawn characters, this novel will transport you to a world that is both familiar and exotic, where the sea holds the key to untold riches and hidden mysteries. So set sail with Cristiano Luchini's thrilling sea-inspired novel and discover the wonders of the Pacific for yourself!

Our wonderful trip to Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti, in French Polynesia.

Waipio Valley: A Polynesian Journey from Eden to Eden recounts the remarkable migrations of the Polynesians across a third of the circumference of the earth. Their amazing journey began from Kalana i Hauola, the biblical Garden of Eden located along the shore of the Persian Gulf, extended to the Indus River Valley of ancient Vedic India, to Egypt where some ancestors of the Polynesians were on the Israelite Exodus, through Island Southeast Asia and across the Pacific Ocean. They voyaged thousands of miles in double-hull canoes constructed from hollowed-out logs, built with Stone Age tools and navigated by the stars of the night sky. The Polynesians resided on numerous tropical islands before reaching Waipio Valley, the last Polynesian Garden of Eden. Due to their isolation on the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Polynesian religious and cultural beliefs have preserved elements from mankinds past nearer the beginning of human history. Polynesian mythology includes genealogical records of their divine ancestors that extends back to Kahiki, their mystical land of creation and ancient divine homeland created by the gods, epic tales of gods and heroes that preserved records of their ancient voyages, oral chants such as the Hawaiian Kumulipo contain evolutionary creation theories that reflect modern scientific thought, and the belief in a Supreme Creator God.

South Pacific expert David Stanley knows the best way to vacation in Tahiti, from browsing the Papeete market to snorkeling off the island of Moorea. David also includes unique trip ideas like The Best of French Polynesia and Underwater in the Tuamotu Islands. Complete with details on taking lagoon tours and jeep safaris, lounging in Polynesian spas, and partaking in lavish seafood buffets, Moon Tahiti gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

In this fascinating and exciting overview, Donald B. Freeman explores the role of the Pacific Ocean in human history. Covering over one third of the globe, the Pacific Ocean plays a vital role in the lives and fortunes of more than two billion people who live on its rim-lands and islands. It has played a crucial part in shaping the histories of the different Pacific cultures, towards which it has appeared in a variety of different guises. Exploring the ocean’s place in human history, this wide ranging book draws together the long and varied physical, economic, cultural and political history of the Pacific, from Prehistory through to the present day. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to show the changing viewpoints of those who explored, exploited and settled the Pacific, including the inhabitants of its Asian and American rim-lands. The book draws on new research in a variety of areas, such as early Pacific migrations, impacts of European colonization, the effects of climate change, and current economic and political developments. It provides a uniquely broad overview that will be of vital interest to students and to all those with an interest in World History.

This in-depth, photo-packed look at the history and culture of surfers is “meticulously researched, smartly written . . . required reading” (Outside Magazine). Matt Warshaw knows more about surfing than any other person on the planet. After five years of research and writing, Warshaw, a former professional surfer and editor of Surfing magazine, has crafted an unprecedented, definitive history of the sport and the culture it has spawned. With more than 250 rare photographs, The History of Surfing reveals and defines this sport with a voice that is authoritative, funny, and wholly original. The obsessive nature of Warshaw’s endeavor is matched only by the obsessive nature of surfers, who are brought to life in this book in many tales of daring, innovation, athletic achievement, and the offbeat personalities who have made surfing history happen. “The world’s most comprehensive chronicler of the surfing scene.” —Andy Martin, The Independent

Whether it's the legends about breadfruit trees or ghosts inhabiting inland Tahiti, the endangered delicacies to avoid or the gift-giving protocol when invited to a local's home, how to tour a vanilla plantation on Raiatea or when to find the Nouméa flame trees "catch fire" in hues of red and orange, South Pacific Handbook covers everything about this region of boundless ocean and scarce land. Drawing on two decades of editions and incorporating the comments of countless previous readers, this user-friendly guide extends beyond the hot spots and steers readers off the beaten path throughout Polynesia and Melanesia.