The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 17

"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 17" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a late 19th-century history book that examines a tense eight-year period in Samoa, filled with disagreements and outside interference. It looks closely at Samoan politics, traditions, and the fights that changed people's lives during this chaotic time. The book starts with a note about how hard it is to truly explain a complicated, modern history that includes both local and foreign participants. The author thinks about the big differences between Samoan culture and Western ways, while also pointing out the complexities of their social and political setup. Important people are presented, like Laupepa, the Samoan king, and the text highlights complex foreign influences on native leadership. This sets the stage for stories about clashes caused by both internal competition and external pressure in the Pacific islands, promising insights into the effects of colonialism, cultural misunderstandings, and the struggle for power in a time of disorder.