Around the World with a King [Hardcover]

Armstrong (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0710302916 | ISBN-13: 978-0710302915 | Publication Date: September 15, 2000

This incredible journey began in 1887 and took King Kalakoua to the Unites States of America, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Siam, Singapore, Malaya, India, Egypt, Rome, London, Belgium, Vienna, Spain, Portugal, France, and back to Hawaii through the United States again. A unique and insightful glimpse into these states and elites at the end of the nineteenth century full of fascinating events, encounters, and stories.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Around the World With a King is one of several historical reprints that Mutual Publishing provides to those readers interested in the social, cultural, and political history of the Hawaiian Islands. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

About the Author

William N. Armstrong was a member of King Kalakoua's Cabinet and accompanied His Majesty on the circumnavigation.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 290 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0710302916
• ISBN-13: 978-0710302915
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,234,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story despite prejudices of author, April 26, 2004

By 

Scott P. Crawford (Hana, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Around the World With a King (Mass Market Paperback)

This book provides a fascinating insight into a historical adventure that most people are unaware of. King Kalakaua of Hawaii was the first monarch ever to circumnavigate the globe, visiting many of the countries with whom Hawaii had treaties. Kalakaua was a highly educated and intelligent man and an exceptional diplomat who spoke numerous languages including the Queen's English, and courts around the world were highly impressed with his character and knowledge. He also liked to party and could be a bit of a rascal, so there are some quite humorous scenes as well. The author, who travelled with Kalakaua, inserts some rather unfortunate racist judgments in his commentary, which can be hard to stomach, but if one can overlook those, the substance of the story itself is fascinating, and in my opinion would make a great movie!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is there anything more exotic than a Hawaiian King's travel?, July 20, 2004

By 

Jose A. Narbona (Jerez, Spain and Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Around the World with a King (Hardcover)

Wonderful historic document. You have to read it bearing in mind when the text was written (there are a lot of thoughts that are considered prejudices today) but apart from that, it's such a magical story! This poor Hawaiian king trying to learn from other monarchies in other countries and trying to convince the world that Hawaii also exists. I really recommend it to fans of traveling, Pacific cultures, monarchies or international affairs.