From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and "one of the greatest poets of our age ... the Thoreau of our era" (Edward Hirsch) comes a thrilling story, in verse, of nineteenth-century Hawaii. Here is the story of an attempt by the government to seize and constrain possible victims of leprosy and the determination of one small family not to be taken. A tale of the perils and glories of their flight into the wilds of the island of Kauai, pursued by a gunboat full of soldiers. A brilliant capturing--inspired by the poet's ...
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From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and "one of the greatest poets of our age ... the Thoreau of our era" (Edward Hirsch) comes a thrilling story, in verse, of nineteenth-century Hawaii. Here is the story of an attempt by the government to seize and constrain possible victims of leprosy and the determination of one small family not to be taken. A tale of the perils and glories of their flight into the wilds of the island of Kauai, pursued by a gunboat full of soldiers. A brilliant capturing--inspired by the poet's respect for the people of these islands--of their life, their history, the gods and goddesses of their mythic past. A somber revelation of the wrecking of their culture through the exploitative incursions of Europeans and Americans. An epic narrative that enthralls with the grandeur of its language and of its vision.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. May contain writing notes highlighting bends or folds. Text is readable book is clean and pages and cover mostly intact. May show normal wear and tear. Item may be missing CD. May include library marks.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Condition of book came as advertised, in a timely manor.
What more can you ask for.
Alibris has always been a quality service for me.
OrangeLemon
Jan 31, 2008
A Masterpiece
This is a novel in verse based on the true story of Piilani, who fled to the Kalalau Valley of Kauai with her husband Koolau, who suffered from leprosy and was threatened with exile to Molokai. Rather than be separated from his wife and son, Koolau took his family into the valley and armed himself with a rifle. Koolau gained notoriety when he killed a deputy sheriff and soldiers sent to arrest him.
I have read several accounts of Koolau and Piilani's story, including Jack London's story, "Koolau the Leper" and Piilani's story as told told a newspaperman. It seems that Merwin has thoroughly researched the events and that even though this is work of fiction, he has skillfully woven the facts of the case into his epic poem .
