Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BOOKS
Fijian literature has focused mostly on political analysis, with numerous critical writ-
ings confronting the country's ethnic problems and military coups. Fiction makes for
slim pickings and Fijian topics can be hard to find outside of the country. The most re-
liable source is the University Book Centre at the University of the South Pacific ( 321
2500,
uspbookcentre.com
), which will ship books internationally. Other bookshops
are listed in the Guide.
HISTORY
R. A. Derrick
A History of Fiji
(Government Press, Fiji). Originally written in 1942, this
classic of early Fijian history up to cession in 1874 is arranged thematically, which makes it
much more interesting than the usual trawl through dates.
Kim Gravelle
Fiji's Heritage - A History of Fiji
(Tiara Enterprises, Fiji). Thoroughly read-
able history highlighting fifty important events that have shaped the destiny of the country.
Rajendra Prasad
Tears in Paradise
(Glade, New Zealand). Documenting the Indian
struggle for acceptance and identity, this guide is the best of a collection of contemporary
writings giving the Indian perspective on the last 125 years.
David Routledge
The struggle for power in early Fiji
(Institute of Pacific Studies, Fiji). An
academic perspective tracing events from early Fijian history to independence in 1970 - his-
torical photos and engravings keep things lively.
Baron Anatole von Hügel
Fiji Journals 1875-1877
(Fiji Museum Press). Wonderful di-
ary of a young half-British, half-Austrian rogue who tramped around Fiji in the late nine-
teenth century. Von Hügel made several expeditions into the interior of Viti Levu, collecting
many artefacts and drinking vast quantities of
yaqona
along the way. A lively insight into
Fijian life during early colonial times.
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Mensah Adinkrah
Crime, Deviance and Delinquency in Fiji
(Fiji Council of Social Ser-
vices). If you can't quite believe Fiji has a dark side, this thought-provoking collection of
essays, balanced with sociological reasoning, makes for essential reading.
Solomoni Biturogoiwasa
My Village, My World; Everyday Life in Nadoria, Fiji
(University
of the South Pacific). Refreshingly simple insight into everyday village life, packed with col-
ourful detail.
Winston Halapua
Tradition, Lotu & Militarism in Fiji
. An insider's view of local politics
and ethnicity, revealing the deceptive world of self-interest and fascism amongst Fiji's elite.
