Old Samoan Days (ePub)

Louis Becke, born George Lewis Becke on June 18, 1855, in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, was a prolific writer known for his masterful storytelling of the South Seas. Becke left home at a tender age of 14 and ventured into the Pacific, a region that became the backdrop for much of his later literary work. After trying his hand at various occupations, including pearl-diving, trading, and plantation managing, Becke's experiences in the Pacific Islands served as a rich tapestry for his writing career. His narratives, often infused with adventure and nuanced observations of island life, reflect a deep understanding of the diverse cultures he encountered during his travels. Revisiting his experiences, Becke's 'Old Samoan Days' offers readers a captivating window into the customs, traditions, and the everyday life of Samoans in the late 19th century. Becke's literary style is recognized for his blend of authenticity and romanticism, painting vivid portraits of the islands and their inhabitants. The corpus of his work, which includes short stories, novels, and articles, is celebrated for both its anthropological value and its enthralling storytelling, earning Becke a place in the annals of colonial literature of the Pacific. He passed away at the age of 54 on February 18, 1913, leaving behind a legacy of written work that continues to be of interest to scholars and readers fascinated by the Pacific and colonial history.