Research goldmine

POLYNESIAN Press, the publishing

offshoot from Auckland’s Polynesian Bookshop, the world’s biggest specialist South Pacific bookseller, has come up with a goldmine for researchers, institutes and universi ties in the region. The press, long noted for its publishing programme on Pacific Islands language and cultures (particu larly a big-selling Samoan dictionary), has produced a 120-page bibliography.

This handsome production features a ceremonial mask inspired by the headdress and decoration of a Samoan manaia (young untitled man) by Au ckland artist Fatu Feu’u on the cover.

Already the catalogue, including access to Maoritanga, has proved popular.

“It may not be entirely complete,” says publisher Robert Holding, “but it’s a start and certainly far more informa tive than anything else. It’s an informa tion tool. If people want details about what is published on a special subject, by

an author, or about a country then this will tell them. And it is being updated all the time.”

Drawn from the stockholding data base of the Polynesian Bookshop, in Maota Samoa House, the catalogue lists books in print by island, region and sub

ject, giving full publishing details, price

and a brief description on each entry. It also lists music cassettes and videos.

And the volume certainly doesn’t miss much. For example, there is a two-page section on “arts and crafts”, seven pages of entries on “history”, three on “reli gion”, and one each on “nuclear issues” and “women”. In the country listings, Belau (Palau), Pitcairn Island and Rapa nui (Easter Island) all have sections.

Copies of the Maori and Pacific Books Catalogue (which will be revised each year) can be ordered from Polynesian Press, PO Box 68-446, Auckland 1, New Zealand. It is free to institutions and US$l2 (posted) for individuals. □