"Thurston's Hawaiian Guide Book and Auto Road Guide to the Island of Oahu",

This 141-page guidebook was written by Lorrin Thurston and published by The Advertiser Publishing Co., Ltd. in Honolulu as "a practical working guide to all points of interest on the Island of Oahu." The guidebook features detailed descriptions for 33 auto routes, including background on the sites along the way. Interspersed amongst the text are numerous advertisements and 3 (of 4) maps, including folding maps of the Island of Oahu (17.4 x 11.2") and Map of the City of Honolulu (23.7 x 12.9"). It lacks only the folding map of the Pacific Ocean. Hardbound in blue cloth.

Thurston was an American born in Honolulu who was a key figure in the overthrow of the monarchy in Hawaii, the establishment of the Hawaiian Republic, the eventual annexation by the United States in 1898, and the establishment of a national park for volcanoes. Following annexation he became a newspaper publisher and entrepreneur. This early road guide to Oahu, the only edition published, was one of his business ventures. While of great interest as an early road guide to Oahu, it is especially poignant for the lengthy section on Hawaii’s political history, especially the tumultuous later period of the monarchy, from the point of view of one of the most influential figures at the time. Unlike most guides of this type which avoid controversy, Thurston was direct and very critical in his depiction of the kings and queens.

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Condition: A

Contents are clean and bright. Covers have minor wear.