At the same time that the American colonies were gathering themselves to revolt against George III, Omai, a Polynesian commoner who had been dispossessed of his familial lands, sails for England in hopes of acquiring English weapons to drive off his enemies. In this small slice of history, readers will be introduced to the complications of colonization, the successes and foibles of the Royal Society, the notion of human pets and the tragedy of the noble savage. Supporting historical figures include King George, who attempted long range agricultural experiments on Omai’s home islands, and Captain Cooke. Readers seeking diversity in their history or those interested in the islands will enjoy this fast-paced work.

One of my favourite books is 'The age of wonder' by RIchard Holmes, about the increases in scientific discovery and advances in the 18th Century. The book's inside jacket is the painting of Omai (sic) with Joseph Banks. THis book chronicles Mai's life- a Polynesian who joined Captain James Cook's ship in Tahiti, hoping to make his fortune in the world, and get his revenge on the rival islanders who destroyed his family. More than a cliched clash of cultures, Sides' account is a moving, fascinating one about the early days of navigation, before new lands were considered resources to feed EMpire. While Mai was considered a curiosity by most in England, his aim was to return to Tahiti a wealthy man, and he played his part to make that happen. Having made his mark more or less successfully in England society, however, it wasn't very easy for him on his return, and his life is an interesting account of the difficulties of assimilation-at a time when these wouldn't even have been understood as mental health concerns.

My thanks to NetGalley and to Scribd for an advanced copy of this profile.

The Exotic by Hampton Sides follows the adventures of a young man Mai, who travels to England from the South Seas in the 1770's, the first Polynesian to set foot on British soil. Adapted from a larger planned work on the voyages of Captain James Cook, who arranged the trip, the book briefly describes the life of Mai, from his childhood, his voyage and stay in England, and his return.

The book is brief but entertaining, a good introduction to Mr. Sides larger tale, that this is excerpted from. Mr. Sides has done a lot of research on his subjects, traveling both to the South Seas and seeing first hand the setting for many stories, and shadowing Mai's travels through Europe. Mai, as the title shows, was treated more as a smarter toy or pet. While the trip was excused as a chance to make friends and learn from Mai, it was more of a chance to gawk at the poor native, and be amazed that he could anything about civilization.

Also touched on and sure to be expanded is the legacy of Cook's explorations among the indigenous people. Yes he might have been drawn more to discovery than exploitation, and he tried no to make too much of a mess, but one of the largest excuses for the annihilation of their traditional ways, and their own lives, was that some other explorer would have shown up, and that person might have been much worse. A subject that does not get much place in this book, but as this is more about Mai, it should not be.

Not much is known of the fate of Mai, or even what he thought of the year in England. His reasons for going are supposed that he hoped that the British would help him avenge his fathers death at the hands of the Bora Borans, one that forced him from his home island, and changed his life. Not even his fate is well known. A lot goes unmentioned, but that is history. No matter how much you search the past will never give up its mysteries. A brief, but very entertaining book.

Since the book is a galley print, it was a water stamp that prevents me from reading the book. So sorry I can not read it.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* not the first time ive read a similar book, interesting read

I know this was meant to be a short volume, but my biggest complaint is that it was too short. There is a lot of history, pathos, tragedy, and interest packed into this telling and I really enjoyed it.

With The Exotic, Sides seems to be out of his typical focus on Americana.

Set in the south seas and in England, Sides follows the life of Mai, a Polynesian who talked his away aboard Captain James Cook's ship in Tahiti and engaged London society during his one-year stay in the country.

Mai, a war refugee whose island had been invaded by Bora-Borans, was impressed by British firearms and probably sought an alliance with the British to retake his home island, cut quite a different figure as an "exotic" in England, where he was lauded as a prince, dressed for portraits in regal outfits that had little to do with his native culture, and showered with gifts from benefactors and admirers.

Sides seems to have done a lot of first-hand research on Tahiti and surrounding islands. A few times he adds his own perspective into the rather short history he relates. Still, it didn't seem to be a whole, complete work. It seems like the story of Mai will instead be a part of a larger book on Captain Cook to be published at a future time.

Bottom line: an interesting story, and some fascinating insights (the painting, Sides's visit to the south seas) but not a complete work of its own.

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The subtitle, "Intrigue and Cultural Ruin in the Age of Imperialism" sums up this book fairly well. This short history reflects a lot about British colonialism and the complex afterlife of exploration and the meeting of cultures. I picked up this title partially because I have read work by the author before. The book was well researched and written in a thoughtful way.

I received a copy of this title from NetGalley and Scribd. This is my honest review.