Tahiti: Memoirs of Arii Taimai E. Marama of Eimeo Teriirere of Tooarai Teriinui of Tahiti Tauratua I Amo by Adams, Henry; Robert E. Spiller (editor) - 1947

New York: Scholars' Facsimiles and Reprints, 1947. Reprint. Hardcover. Facsimile reprint. 8vo. vii, [1], facsimile of original title page, 196 pp. Double-page map; genealogical table. Blue cloth with gilt lettering in publisher's dustjacket which is trimmed 1/2" shorter than the book. Near fine (corners lightly bumped) in near fine dustjacket (light age-toning). Originally published privately in 1893 under title 'Memoirs of Marau Taaroa' and again, a revised edition in 1901 (both rare on the market), here is the facsimile of the Clements library copy of the Paris (1901) edition. Based on legendary tales that the American historian Henry Adams heard from the Queen of Tahiti and her family while on a trip to the South Seas in 1891. Born in 1824, Arii Taimai was the grand-daughter of Tati, paramount chief of the Papara district of Tahiti. She also held rights to numerous kin-titles on the island Mo'orea through her mother, Marama Arii Manihinihini. Arii Taimai became acquainted with the author when he spent some months on Tahiti in 1891, traveling with the artist John La Farge.