A Trustworthy Historical Record: The Laterwriting Of Abraham Fornander, 1870-1887

Abstract

Using a post-colonial framework, this thesis examines the later research and writing of Abraham Fornander. The paper addresses the politics, religion, and society that informed Fornander's research and writing, then focuses more closely on his book, An Account of the Polynesian Race and international response to it. Fornander's tenacity in promoting his Western worldview and his efforts to advance his career infused his writings and, in the end, served to overshadow existing indigenous language and culture, hastening deterioration of both. Utilizing correspondence, early writing for newspapers, and other archival information, the paper demonstrates his attempts to attain authentic status for himself and his work. Though inconclusive in terms of proving Fornander's complicity with colonialism, the thesis presents another viewing of one man's work and begs a previously hidden discussion.