The Gifts of Civilization [Paperback]

O. A. Bushnell (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (February 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824814576
• ISBN-13: 978-0824814571
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,218,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FASCINATING, INSIGHTFUL, August 11, 2003

By 

Palaka "palakahope" (SB,CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gifts of Civilization (Paperback)

This book is a fascinating academic collection of essays about post-contact Hawaii's history in the context of health and medicine. Although a bit admittedly biased, the Kahunas are definitely not romanticized in this book. The constant reference to anecdotal quotes or comments from critical westerners about Hawaii's traditional beliefs and Kahunas got old sometimes. I especially enjoyed the rare quotes from his references that I would never be able to find. Bushnell tries to present a balanced historical look at old Hawaii's medicine and health. It is a great reference and very readable.