LEGEND of LAIEIKAWAI Rare Bookin HAWAIIAN Language 1888

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

A very rare book titled, "Ka Mooleloo Laieikawai", written in the Hawaiian language by a native Hawaiian by the name of Haleole, and published in 1888 in Honolulu. It is the Romance of Laieikawai, which recounts the wooing of a native Chiefess of high rank, and her final deification amoung the gods. The story, passed down orally from ancient times (fourteenth century), is in the form of a -Kaao-, a narrative rehearsed in prose interspersed with song. This is the earliest published piece of Hawaiian imaginative writing to reach book form. The book is in excellent condition with 131 very clean pages, with no foxing, termite holes, creases, tears, etc., and with original hard cover. T are several photos of the pages to show the fine condition of the the pages of the bookOne of the chants, which t are many in this book, appears on the last page and reads:Behold the LaieikawaiOn the uplands of PaliuliBeautiful beautifulThe storied one of the uplandsPerhaps resting at peaceTo the melodious voice of the birdsLaieikawai rests On the wings of the birdsBeautiful beautifulThe storied one of the uplandsShe has heard perhaps the playingOf Malio's ti-leaf trumpetPlayfully playfullyThe storied one of Hapoe.The book was given by Francis Gay (son of Mrs. Elizabeth Sinclair, who bought Niihau from Kamehameha V for $10,000.00 in gold in 1864) in 18 read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.