A beautifully illustrated work on the Austral Islands, the eastern or French half of the Cook Island submarine mountain range. This book covers the history, art and art history of this little known Pacific region before 1850. This newly published book is divided into 3 sections:

Part One repeats the comments made by the earliest foreign visitors. These historical extracts should provide today's Islanders, and others, an insight into the pre-colonial heritage of the Austral Islands.

Part Two is a selection of colour photos of early Austral Island art objects, from a number of major museum collections, which demonstrate the flair, creativity, beauty and impact of the artifacts which remain.

Part Three provides a few art history essays about specific artifacts, such as the exquisitely carved paddles and the rare tapa cloths, and their context within the wider Pacific.

Rhys Richards has published over twenty books mostly on various aspects of Pacific maritime history and culture.

Postage and packaging to Australia $15, to Tahiti is $22, to UK & Europe is $32 and to USA and Hawaii is $27 (all NZ dollars) Weight 495 grams 236 pages