By Reef and Palm

"By Reef and Palm" by Louis Becke is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century, likely in the context of Becke's own experiences in the South Pacific islands. The stories explore themes of adventure, trade, and human relationships in the setting of Polynesia, often weaving the complexities and realities of island life with elements of romance and conflict. The opening of the book introduces readers to the author's background and experiences, highlighting his arrival in Samoa and detailing the vibrant and tumultuous atmosphere of the time. It offers glimpses into various characters, including traders, native islanders, and their intricate relationships, as well as the adventures that Becke encounters, suggesting a rich tapestry of narratives that reveal both the beauty and harshness of island life. The introduction sets the stage for the subsequent stories, encompassing various aspects of life in the Pacific, from love and betrayal to survival and culture. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Lewis Becke was at the turn of the nineteenth century, the most prolific, significant, and internationally renowned Australian-born writer of the South Pacific region. Having lived and worked among Pacific Islands and Islanders as a trader, ship's supercargo, and villager for some two decades, learning languages and observing natural and cultural life, Becke was prompted by J F Archibald of The Bulletin to write down his experiences, eventually becoming a popular and respected author of short stories, novellas, novels, as well as historic and ethnographic works.