Tiny Niue lies alone in the south Pacific, a single island with formidable cliffs rising from the deep ocean. Far from the main shipping routes and with a daunting reputation, "Savage Island" did not naturally invite visitors. Yet Niue has a surprisingly rich history of contact, from the brief landings by James Cook in 1774 through to the nineteenth-century visits by whalers, traders, and missionaries, and into the twentieth century when New Zealand extended its territory to include the Cook Islands and Niue. To date, this story has not been told. Using a wide range of archival material from Niue, New Zealand, Australia, and Britain, Margaret Pointer places Niue center stage in an entertaining and thoroughly readable account of this island nation through to 1974, when Niue became self-governing. As important as the written story is the visual record, and many remarkable images are published here for the first time. Together, text and images unravel a fascinating and colorful Pacific story of Nukututaha, the island that stands alone.

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Niue is a small Pacific island nation located 2,400 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. The island, with a population of approximately 1,600 people, has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its unique language, traditional crafts, and dance. Niueans are Polynesians, with their culture, religion and way of life intertwined with the environment. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. The island has been inhabited for over 1,000 years and was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774. Niue gained independence in 1974 from New Zealand but still maintains a special relationship with it. The island is self-governed but is supported by New Zealand in areas such as defense and foreign affairs. Niue’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, selling of postage stamps, and the use of its internet domain name, .nu. The small island has faced challenges such as cyclones and economic struggles, but its unique culture and strong community continue to thrive. Overall, Niue is a fascinating and unique destination with a rich cultural history that is intertwined with its breathtaking natural environment.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niué and Tonga" by Basil Thomson. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.