''The Hawaiian Islands Their Progress and Condition Under Missionary Labors''

''The Hawaiian Islands Their Progress and Condition Under Missionary Labors''
by Rufus Anderson, D. D.
Foreign Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for foreign missions.
with Illustrations
Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 59 Washington Street
New York: Sheldon and company
Cincinnati: Geo S Blanchard
1864

Great Antique Book find!
Writing in black and blue pen on second page stating who book was presented to.

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AI Overview:
"The Hawaiian Islands: Their Progress and Condition Under Missionary Labors" is a book by Rufus Anderson, published in 1864, that details the impact of American Protestant missionaries on Hawaii. The book chronicles the missionaries' efforts to evangelize, establish schools, and introduce new social structures, but it was written from a pro-missionary perspective and does not fully address the complex and negative consequences, such as the suppression of Hawaiian culture and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy by missionary descendants.
Positive impacts (as viewed by the book)
Literacy and education: The book highlights the establishment of numerous schools and the resulting high literacy rates among native Hawaiians.
Social and political transformation: Anderson documented the transition of Hawaii from a feudal system to a more "civilized" state, with changes to land tenure and government.
Missionary reception: The book describes a relatively friendly reception from the Hawaiian people, who were eager to learn.
Criticisms and counterpoints
Cultural suppression: While the book focuses on progress, it overlooks the significant harm caused by the suppression of traditional Hawaiian practices, such as the hula.
Economic interests: Critics argue that some missionaries later prioritized economic gain over their religious mission, and their descendants played a key role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Historical context: The book presents a one-sided view, portraying the missionary work as overwhelmingly positive, and does not account for the larger context of imperialism and the significant role of the missionaries' descendants in the annexation of Hawaii.

Condition: Pre-Owned Good

preowned good