The First Taint of Civilization: A History of the Caroline and Marshall Islands in Pre-Colonial Days, 1521-1885

“An interesting, scholarly, clearly written book about the history of white culture contact in the Caroline and Marshall Islands from its beginnings to the assumption of sovereignty by the German Empire in 1885. As is true with the histories of other comparable island groups, these islands had their share of beachcombers, derelicts, decent traders, missionaries, and individuals in the heroic mold. This work is well researched, with excellent maps and complete notes.” — Choice “The author has taken a wealth of complex, often disparate material and woven it into a coherent, intelligible, and extremely well-written history of the Caroline and Marshall Islands. The book is required reading for anyone with an interest in the Pacific Islands.” — Pacific Studies “Not only will it be read eagerly by Pacific scholars, but it should also find a wide audience among well-educated Micronesians hungry for greater understanding of how their islands have become ensnared in world geopolitics.” — Ethnohistory