Tribe That Lost Its Head [Paperback]

Nicholas Monsarrat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009

Five hundred miles off the southwest coast of Africa lies the island of Pharamaul, a British Protectorate, governed from Whitehall through a handful of devoted British civilians. In the south of the island lies Port Victoria, dominated by the Governor's palatial mansion; in the north, a settlement of mud huts shelter a hundred thousand natives; and in dense jungle live the notorious Maula tribe, kept under surveillance by a solitary District Officer and his young wife. When Chief-designate, Dinamaula, returns from his studies in England with a spirited desire to speed the development of his people, political crisis erupts into a ferment of intrigue and violence.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nicholas Monsarrat was born in Liverpool and educated at Cambridge University, where he studied law. His career as a solicitor encountered a swift end when he decided to leave Liverpool for London, with a half-finished manuscript under his arm and £40 in his pocket. His first book to attract attention was the largely autobiographical 'This is the Schoolroom'. During World War II he joined the Royal Navy and served in corvettes. His war experience provided the framework for the novel 'HMS Marlborough will enter Harbour', one of his best known books. 'The Cruel Sea' was made into a classic film starring Jack Hawkins. Established as a top name writer, Monsarrat's career concluded with 'The Master Mariner'. Well known for his concise story telling and tense narrative, he became one of the most successful novelists of the twentieth century, whose rich and varied collection bears the hallmarks of a truly gifted writer. A professional who gives us our money's worth. The entertainment value is high' - Daily Telegraph

Product Details

• Paperback: 638 pages
• Publisher: House of Stratus (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842321609
• ISBN-13: 978-1842321607
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, September 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tribe That Lost Its Head (Hardcover)

This book was way ahead of its time. Long before Allende was being brought down, right when Diem was being raised up, Monsarrat was writing about how nations get destabilized. It doesn't take much: a couple of well-timed rumors, a few outrages, and before you know it, you've got a nation going down the tubes. At some point you begin to realize that the destablization and violence have taken on a life of their own, and that the only sensible option is to get out until they've run their course.