Michener, James A.

Return to Paradise [Signed] [South Pacific Islands, Colonialism, WWII]

New York: Random House, 1951.

Signed with date [Groundhog Day] and location with an inscription to a serviceman on the front free endpage.

The inscription could be to David D. Gray (Class of 1948, Princeton)
+++Service: Enlisted in the Navy V-5 program during World War II and later served as a major in the Marine Corps during the Korean War (1950–1952).
+++Post-Military: Had a successful business career with Continental Insurance Co., retiring in 1979.

The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean; light, even age-toning. Moderate shelf handling wear. The dust jacket is unclipped and shows wear with minor spine tip and corner loss; Age and Hand-soiling. 8.5 inches tall; 437 pages.  An early printing of the author’s third book.

A collection of short stories by James A. Michener, set in the South Pacific, a region he explored in Tales of the South Pacific. The stories in this volume, while based in different islands like Fiji, New Zealand, and Guadalcanal, all share a common thread: the impact of colonialism, war, and the complex human relationships that emerge in such circumstances. Each story is introduced by an essay that provides historical context about the specific location, blending fiction and fact seamlessly.

Michener’s storytelling is rich with detail, capturing the essence of the islands and their cultures while exploring the deep emotional landscapes of his characters. Themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and personal identity are woven throughout, with Michener delving into how these forces shape individuals’ lives. The collection also reflects the effects of World War II on the South Pacific, particularly through the lens of human interaction with military and colonial powers.

The book features tales like "Mr. Morgan" and "Until They Sail," which were adapted into films, showcasing the cultural and historical impact of the South Pacific during the war. 

Subjects: South Pacific Islands, Colonialism, Cultural Exchange, World War II, Human Relationships, Historical Fiction, Short Story Collection.

Item #20867

Price: $200.00