The Islands of the Blest. Travel Brochure.
New Zealand: Union Steam Ship Company of NZ, Ltd., c. 1907. Pamphlet. Very early travel brochure advertising steam ship travel to the Cook Islands and Tahiti. Written by Beatrice Grimshaw, a journalist who wrote many novels about New Guinea the South Pacific, but in her early career, wrote tourist literature. Her assignment to New Guinea resulted in an almost 30 years stay in Port Moresby. Here she describes the pleasures of a South Sea Island destination, includes photos of Raratonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Aitutaki, Tahiti- Raiatea, Huahine. Extensively illustrated with photographs, including of Queen Makea [1839-1911] of Rarotonga. 7.75" x 9.75", 27 pp. with 2 pages of advertisement, many wonderful pictorial views of the islands.
The color printed map, 'Chart of Routes of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand', extends from Melbourne and Hobart in the south to San Francisco and Victoria at the northeast, is tipped in at the center. Issued in a beautifully decorated brown paper wrapper with gilt type and Art Nouveau decoration, an oval cut out on front highlights the photo of a Tahitian girl 'La Belle Tahitienne'. With original central fold, with ink stamp of the General Agent from Los Angeles at top of each page. OCLC: 156774903 cites 3 libraries, Bagnall G913. Not found in Trove. Very good overall. Item #19760
Price: $325.00