Before he was a famous novelist, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was a journalist sent to Hawai‘i on assignment for the California newspaper The Sacramento Union. In 1866 he was to spend four months in the Sandwich Isles and report back his findings and observations. In a series of twenty-five letters, that are still today one of the best pieces of travel writing, Twain describes in wonderful detail the people, culture and environments of Hawai‘i as he experienced it. His unique humor and visitors perspective is a bit bracing in its honesty but ultimately a respectful representation of the way things were back then. He pays particular attention not only to the natural aspects of the islands but the commercial and social ones as well with useful accounts of the trade and whaling industries, politics and the monarchy. I especially liked his record of Princess Kaiulani’s funeral on the lawns of Iolani Palace.
If you enjoy Hawaiian history or Mark Twain, I highly encourage you to check out Mark Twain’s Letters from Hawaii (University of Hawaii Press). Or you can read a transcript version here. Also, check out this NY Times travel article about following Twain’s footsteps in Hawai‘i.
******
Well, I promised you some “letter” themed posts, and I’ve got a couple more planned. An update on my challenge. I’ve written to my Grandma first (Tutu is always first), a few cousins, and faraway friends. But I am still not caught up yet! I’ve been sending short notes and calendars, a couple of Valentine’s cards and postcards. My hand hurts a little bit but at least I am getting to use my pretty papers and colorful pens!
So far I am enjoying the challenge quite a bit and have even touched bases with a few other writers and librarians who are also doing the challenge. I still need more people to write to so if you’d like a postcard and an HBB bookmark, email me your address! mlsanico@hawaiibookblog.com
