Hawaii Looking Back: An Illustrated History of the Islands

A must-have for any lover of Hawai'i or any history buffs, this massive history of the Hawaiian Islands is impeccably researched and draws together rare and beautiful photographs that would take one years and years of combing through museums to see. Truly captures the spirit of Aloha which make the islands so inviting, while paying tribute to a once sovereign nation full of wonderful and rich people.

Four fifths of this book is 1930s or earlier, and the book is not dominated by photos of the rich who could afford photographers. There is a wealth of photos depicting daily life of everyday people from the numerous ethnic groups making up Hawaii's rapidly changing past. The text as mentionned covers not just events but the underlying social, economic, and political calculations made. Many events of Hawaii's past are controversial, and the authors achieve good balance and a neutral point of view. Although it has strong appeal as a coffeetable book, unlike many volumes this richly illustrated, the text stands on its own. This book would be a good addition to a library if it had taken the form of a sparsely illustrated reference book.

If you were to purchase Hawaii Looking Back, and placed it on your coffee table, visitors to your home would no doubt be impressed with it's magnificent size. They would be equally blown away by the quantity of Old Hawaii photographs inside--laborers, hula dancers, historical figures, literally thousands of (mostly) black and white and sepia photographs, most never seen before outside the islands, and all tied together by Glen Grant's rich, insight-filled text. A fabulous book indeed. So what's not to like, shouldn't this masterpiece be featured prominently on everyone's coffee table? Well, yes, but there are a few concerns. For one thing, this is a very, very heavy book, hard to balance and read at the same time, and while the history-minded reader will want to devour every word, the simple act of reading it is a physical chore in and of itself. (I finally had to place the book face up on the surface of my bed or couch and lay with my body sprawled almost on top of the text in order to get through it!) Also, as with too many books concerning our 50th state, too much emphasis (over 90%) of the available space is given to Oahu, particularly Honolulu and Waikiki. Certainly, as the center of population and seat of government, Honolulu should take first place in any comprehensive history of the islands; still, I would have loved to have seen more photos of the rest of the state, particularly my beloved Maui. (There MUST be photos of Old Lahaina somewhere, and I for one would love to see them!) However, this is still a must-purchase for anyone interested in the history of the islands, particularly those interested in period photos. (For me, the most compelling shots in the book were the normal, everyday photos of a college football game and other outdoor acitvities taken on December 6th, 1941, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Literally the calm before the storm. The effect of these pictures is an once peacful and chilling.) So, get Hawaii Looking Back and give it an honored place on your coffee table, or, better yet, sell the table and put your coffee on the book! This excellent, insightful tome is certainly large enough to serve coffee on---with room to spare for sugar, cream, and coffee cake to boot!!!

This hefty table-top book offers intricacies into Hawai'i's postcontact history, spanning from the 1700's onward. This oversized volume also makes a substantial addition to anyone's collection of Hawaiiana, whether they are a local or mainlander. The volume in overview is moving and educational containing hundreds of images reprinted as well many that were largely unknown. Images are displayed with excerpts of historical writing & works.