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Loading... Queen Salote of Tonga: The Story of an Era, 1900-65by Elizabeth Wood-Ellem
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This is an extensive biography of Queen Salote of Tonga. It is also a political and social history of the kingdom of Tonga between the years of 1900 and 1965. Researched over more than 20 years and written with the consent of the Tongan royal family, this book draws on the author's knowledge of Tongan society especially the role of rank, status and the complex marriage and kinship relations among the leading families. It is an in depth account of Queen Salote's skills in building and maintaining the loyalty of her people and the instability of the kingdom and in overcoming resistance both within and without Tonga. It is also a perceptive portrayal about individual personality, and gives a picture of ordinary people and daily people. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)996.12History and Geography Oceania and elsewhere Polynesia Southwest central Pacific islands TongaLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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Tonga is a unique place in being the only Polynesian kingdom to maintain its culture and government through the colonial period that brought down similar cultures in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific. Queen Salote adds to this uniqueness by being the ruling queen of Tonga in the first half of the Twentieth Century, an era dominated by male chauvinism. This story of her life and reign provides a wonderful view into the culture and history of this island kingdom. For papalangi (the Tongan word for people of Western society) this is not an easy book because there is a lot of Tongan names, genealogy, and customs necessarily involved in the biography of their queen. Yet the very things that make it difficult also make it a rewarding book to read. What makes the book most enjoyable is the portrayal of this marvelous woman who ruled Tonga for almost 50 years. She ruled without use of force during a time of dissent from rival nobles and emerged one of the most revered leaders in Tongan history. She convinced her British advisors of her ability to rule, and her island adversaries that their independence depended on her rule. I can recommend this book without reservation to anyone interested in women's studies, international biography, Polynesian history, or British colonial history. ( )