Pacific passages : travelling the South Seas / by Hans-Christof Wachter ; translated by Janina Joffe
2008, First Edition. London : Haus. An exceptional copy; fine in an equally fine dw, now mylar-sleeved. Particularly and surprisingly well-preserved; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. Literally as new.; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 168 pages; Physical desc. : 168 p. ; 17 cm. Translated from the German. Subject: Wachter, Hans-Christof (1940-) --Travel --Oceania --Description and travel --Civilization --Social life and customs --South Pacific. Summary: Hans-Christoph Wachter's striking and colourful descriptions provide a unique insight into the South Sea Islands; places where even after centuries the history of European explorers and pirate legends the ancient traditions and myths of the islanders still merge into a seemingly Arcadian dream setting. The author is reminded of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" when he, during his voyage around the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, Ovalau, Fiji, Tonga, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, happens upon an enchanting spectacle: one moonlit night young whales circle the freighter on which he is travelling, exhaling glistening, silvery founts and singing to one another. The hull of the ship becomes their underwater sounding-board. Hans-Christoph Wachter describes the paradise he found in these Pacific islands, but he also recounts the hardship of the life he shared for a while with the islanders. The courage of the young men who perform the ritual of naghol - a primitive form of bungee jumping - that is the traditional request to the deities for a plentiful harvest. Their fishing and hunting might seem idyllic, straight from a picture-postcard, but it is hard work. And the 'magical blue Pacific' can become a fearsome and unforgiving enemy during a hurricane, whipping the shores of these paradisiacal islands. But for every 'brooding, pensive' traveller, like Wachter, 'the magical blue Pacific', once seen, will for ever more be the ocean of his heart'. Item #155972
Price: €10.95