Beyond the Coral Sea: Travels in the Old Empires of the South-West Pacific

An informative and at times entertaining read about Papua New Guinea and it's surrounding islands. The author interweaves his story of travel with the history of various explorers, missionaries, and local personages. He describes the various impacts modernization has had on the islands and discusses the effects missionaries, colonization, and the world wars have wrought. The book provides good insight to places rarely written about and the author colorfully describes various festivals, arts, and customs. I enjoyed the book although at times it slowed and a sense of sanctimony occasionally pervades the work. The book whetted my appetite to learn more about the region's history and art and an extensive bibliography is provided.