To Steal a Kingdom: Probing Hawaiian History [Paperback]

Michael Dougherty (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 096334840X | ISBN-13: 978-0963348401 | Publication Date: 2000 | Edition: 1st

History of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom 1893.

Currently in 6th revised printing, 2000. More than 30,000 copies in circulation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...powerful indictment of the western intrusion on Hawaii...an angry and powerful book...but stops short of being a polemic." -- James McCutcheon, Professor of History American Studies, U. of Hawaii-Manoa

"I've read all the histories of Hawaii...Dougherty's is the best researched and documented of the lot." -- Jerry Hopkins, author "No One Here Gets Out Alive" about The Doors

"The outstanding work on intolerance in North America." -- Gustavus Myers Human Rights Award'97

"Voices harmonizing with Dougherty include Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain and Queen Liliu‘okalani." -- Journal of American History, June 1994

From the Publisher

Like the trade winds blowing,Michael Dougherty's TO STEAL A KINGDOM brings a breath of fresh air to Hawaii studies, where the cloud of missionary filial piety has been conspicuous.Dougherty, a free-lance writer and filmmaker, relied heavily upon documentary sources compiled over a period of twenty years and,as much as possible,let historical personages speak for themselves. Voices harmonizing with him include Herman Melville. Mark Twain,Robert Louis Stevenson and the deposed Queen Liliuokalani.They are the heroes.The villains are five generations of the Gerrit P.Judd family and other American missionary/businessmen who nearly wiped out the Hawaiians while aiding and abetting the theft of the kingdom and then covering their thieving tracks by largely controlling documentary sources and the writing of Hawaiian history.[In]its factual and logical questioning of the process by which much of Hawaiian history has been written lies the SIGNAL contribution of this important probing work. The Journal of American History abridged

"The outstanding work on intolerance in North America" Gustavus Myers Human Rights Award'97

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Island Style Pr; 1st edition (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096334840X
• ISBN-13: 978-0963348401
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #967,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History of 19th Century Hawaii, July 19, 2002

By 

Christopher Forbes "weirdears" (Brooklyn,, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Steal a Kingdom: Probing Hawaiian History (Paperback)

I bought this book as research for a project that I am doing concerning the life of Liliuokalani. Though the book doesn't add much to her story, it contains a wealth of information on the Hawaiian monarchy and the conspiracies that led to it's downfall. This is not an unslanted book. I think that the authors viewpoint is pretty clear throughout. But it is passionately argued and I think hard to refute.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about one of the great injustices of the American 19th century.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Important Historical Information, July 31, 2001

By 

S. Swallow - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Steal a Kingdom: Probing Hawaiian History (Paperback)

I originally chose to read this book because I wanted to learn more about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. I selected this book because of the title, imagining it would be a passionate work. I imagine it was a work of passion but the information didn't reflect it. I don't regret reading it and treasure the information gained by doing so. However, I would not recommend this book to someone who is new to the Hawaiian sovereignty issues.

This book was more concerned with relaying historical detail which did create a strong argument that Hawaii was attained immorally. The author did little of sharing his own opinion but rather reported more research of the quotes of others. This definitely serves a purpose and is valuable, but don't read it unless you are prepared for that.

The author's model was to base chapters on certain individuals who played a prominent role in the history of Hawaii and its annexation to the United States. This is often confusing because you read about someone way back at the beginning and then they are mentioned at the end of the text and you can't remember who they are. If anything this book has served to spark my interest further on the topic and I will look for another book to get a better grasp.

12 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most valuable Hawaii book, May 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: To Steal a Kingdom: Probing Hawaiian History (Paperback)

For anyone interested a critical look into Hawaii's colorful history this book offers a wealth of information about people and places which shape the Hawaii of today. A must read for the visitor and resident alike.If you want to know Hawaii, read this book.