Basically Books
Books
Petroglyph Press publishes a line of Hawaiiana books which are 100% "Made in Hawaii." From design and composition through binding and distribution, these books are "local style."
A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands
by Dr. Phil Barnes
Paperbound, 86 pages, 0-912180-56-0, 5.5x8.5, $12.95A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands covers the major events and personalities in Hawaiian history from the first human landfall through the sovereignty movement of the late 1990's. This new, updated edition also includes the momentous modern events that focused worldwide attention on the 50th state as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Most notable of these was the historic election of Hawaii–born Barack Obama to the U.S. presidency.
The history comes to life through illustrations and interesting anecdotes. By investing a couple of hours the casual reader can greatly increase the depth of their understanding of the events that have shaped and continue to shape these magical islands.
Retold by Frances Reed
Illustrated by Jan Moon
Paperbound, 68 pages, 978-0-912180-65-6, 5.5x8.5, $9.95The charming legends associated with landmarks around the town of Hilo have been retold in words and pictures in this compilation of favorite stories. Included are "How Hilo Got Its Name," "The Story of Coconut Island" and the Maui and Hina legends centering on Rainbow Falls and The Boiling Pots.
For many years Frances Reed was a children's librarian at the Hawaii County Library and used these tales in her story-telling hours. Jan Moon is a well-known Hilo artist and illustrator. Both women had lived in Hilo for 30 years when they worked together to create an enchanting book that will be enjoyed by both adults and children.
- (Top)
-
by Dietrich Varez
Paperbound, 56 pages, 978-0912180-66-3, 8x8, 12.95Born on a stormy night full of intrigue and mystery, Hina, The Goddess has origins almost as wondrous as the tales of Hina herself.
While viewing performances of the powerful and ancient Kahiko form of hula at the 1986 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawai'i, the audience had an unforgettable experience. A raging storm swept over Hilo. Thunder clapped and lightning struck, plunging the entire town of Hilo, including the festival, into utter darkness.
Many wondered if it was mere coincidence that the evening's events included a compulsory chant for the wahine which spoke of Hina and the gourd calabash in which she captured three windstorms. Known for her forceful ways and power over the physical world, Hina is not to be taken lightly. One halau took this sign from the heavens so seriously that they withdrew from the competition.
Dietrich Varez was so struck by this incident and the power of the chant, he was inspired to create the first of the block prints appearing in Hina, The Goddess picturing Hina with her calabash. As his interest was piqued, he went on to delve further into the mythology of Hina in her many forms and from his research was inspired to create a series of block prints representing the many amazing and varied tales associated with Hina.
Petroglyph Press is proud to present this culmination of experience, imagination and talent so vividly portrayed in Varez's signature style block prints and corresponding legends. We believe you, too, will feel the presence of the goddess Hina as you experience Hina, The Goddess for yourself. Born on a stormy night full of intrigue and mystery, Hina, The Goddess has origins almost as wondrous as the tales of Hina herself.
- (Top)
by Agnes Alexander
Paperbound, 76 pages, 0-912180-53-6, 5.5x8.5, $7.95How to Use Hawaiian Fruit was originally published in 1912 in Honolulu, where the author once owned a popular restaurant. Petroglyph Press added illustrations by William D. Brooks in 1974 and in 1999 reset the type and added a new cover design by Jan Moon, but kept the flavor of the original cookbook.
Almost all of the recipes are very simple and call for basic ingredients, and all use delicious fruits that are grown locally in Hawaii, including favorites like mango, guava, and ohelo berry. Note, with amusement, the recipe for Lomilomi Salmon on page 73 which calls for 15 cents onions and 5 cents tomatoes!. How times
have changed!- (Top)
-
edited by Martin & Judy Beeman
Paperbound, 134 pages, 0-912180-41-2, 5.5x8.5, $10.95This collection was compiled from recipes shared by some of the best cooks living on the Big Island of Hawaii. Some are gathered from foreign lands, some are family recipes passed from generation to generation and some are shared through friendship. These family favorites illustrate the great variety of dishes available
in our Hawaiian paradise through the
blending on the many varied races and nationalities living here
in harmony. Included are recipes from the Philippines such as Pork Adobo with Spinich,
treats from Portugal such as Pao Doce (sweet bread), specialties from Japan such as Sashimi and Namasu,
and local dishes like LomiLomi Salmon. We hope you enjoy all of these local favorites.
- (Top)
-
New Coloring Book by beloved Hilo artist Jan Moon
Staplebound, $9.95
Hawaii's unique and diverse sea life is presented in a charming new coloring book that shows the rich bounty of reef life under the sea. The Hawaiian word i'a is defined as "fish or any marine animal." Within I'A Sea Life Coloring Book, descriptions of the colors, habits and habitats of sea creatures are delightfully hand lettered by Hilo artist, Jan Moon. The rising popularity of coloring images for relaxation and meditation is acknowledged as a soothing therapy for the stresses of modern life. Equally appreciated by children and adults, the I'A Coloring Book allows anyone to float along with the charming inhabitants of Hawaiian coastal waters, while learning about our precious ocean environment. Published in Hilo by Petroglyph Press, and priced at $9.95, I'A Sea Life Coloring Book is available at Basically Books in Hilo and book and gift stores throughout Hawaii.
Artist Jan Moon has made her home in the Keaukaha neighborhood of Hilo since 1960. Living just a short walk from the ocean has inspired her to study and record the varied sea life she has observed on her frequent swimming and coastal explorations. Adventures beyond Hawai'i and around the world, including the study of plants and wildlife in the South Pacific and Midway Atoll, make her uniquely qualified to portray the subjects she has long studied. In addition to pen and ink drawings, Moon is well known for her vibrant full color paintings on silk of Hawaiian birds, sea creatures and exotic scenes. Ms. Moon's illustrations are featured in Hilo Legends, also published by Petroglyph Press. - (Top)
-
by Dietrich Varez
Paperbound, 54 pages, 978-0-912180-72-4, 5.5x8.5, $9.95The latest contribution of beloved artist Dietrich Varez to interpreting and illustrating stories from Hawaiian folklore is presented in 'Iwa, The Hawaiian Legend. When the fisherman Kea'au, renowned for catching octopus, finds two beautiful and rare red cowry shells he thinks they must be a gift from the goddess Hina. After he fashions them into a lure, the octopus swarm to the magical shells and he gathers more than enough to feed his whole village. The bounty is short lived when chief 'Umi learns of the magical shell lure and demands to have it for himself. Thus begins the tale of how the boy-thief, 'Iwa, who exhibits the same thieving traits as his namesake, the Great Frigatebird, is invited to the island of Hawai'i to retrieve the precious lure. There he encounters the high chief 'Umi, famous historical ruler of Hawai'i island, who puts 'Iwa's talents to the test. The rich imagery of Hawai'i's diverse environment, its sea life, plants and animals is depicted alongside Varez's interpretation of the human aspect of this classic tale.
- (Top)
The Kahuna: Versatile Masters of Old Hawaii
by L. R. McBride
Paperbound, 72 pages, 0-912180-51-X, 5.5x8.5, $9.95In ancient Hawai'i the kauna were far more than the priests of a religious order.
They were versatile mystics, trained in
a variety of skills and occupations, the learned and
professional men of their time.L. R. McBride collected information about the kahuna for many years through extensive research in 19th century books and interviews with the Hawaiian people. In this fascinating account he gives an accurate, readable, unsensational account of what the kahuna really meant in the Hawaiian culture of long ago. Illustrated with reproductions of historic old photographs and prints.
- (Top)
by Eliza Maguire
Illustrated by Eva Anderson
Paperbound, 56 pages, 0-912180-54-5, 5.5x8.5, $7.95It was in 1866 that Eliza Maguire first heard these stories from old Hawaiians on Huehue Ranch in the Kona district on the island of Hawai'i. Many years later she translated them into English. First published in 1926, they are simple tales shared among the people of Kekaha, the barren desolate section of North Kona that has often been ravaged by Pele, the Volcano Goddess.
Included in this collection is the tale of 'Akahipu'u, in which mischievous menehune try to steal the top of a hill, and the story of the cave of Makalei, which provided water to generations of Kona residents. This updated edition of Kona Legends includes a new cover and artwork by Eva Anderson. We hope that this collection will lead you to a richer understanding of the Kona area, its history, and its people.
- (Top)
-
by Don Blanding
Paperbound, 58 pages, 0-912180-17-X, 5x7, $7.95When Don Blanding discovered Hawai'i back in the 1920's Hawai'i discovered its poet laureate. For many people, Blanding's poems about Hawai'i keep alive their romantic dreams of a paradise in the Pacific.
Born in Oklahoma, Blanding lived from 1894 to 1957. His great love for Hawai'i and its people is reflected in his poetry. This was his first book, originally rejected by three local publishers and self-published in 1923. The first printing sold out quickly, and went on to become a classic addition to the literature of Hawaii. Petroglyph Press is proud to offer a reprint of this long out of print book, now available in its original size, with added biogrphical information. Blanding went on to author numerous books and later toured the country reading his poetry and sharing his experiences in Hawai'i.
- (Top)
by Don Blanding
Paperbound, 56 pages, 0-912180-55-2, 4.25x5.5, $4.95Originally published in 1925, Paradise Loot is Don Blanding's second collection of poems about the beauty and enchantment of the Hawaiian Islands. Some of these poems were written after Don Blanding had left the islands and express the homesickness he felt when, for example, he passed a florist shop in New York and caught the fragrance of island flowers.
Many, such as "Luau," and "Bon Voyage," reflect the sorrow of saying goodbye and the inevitability of longing to return to the islands. All invoke a strong sense of place. No one has ever had such skill in using words to paint glorious pictures of Hawai'i. More than 40 years after Blanding's death, he still has a following of devoted readers and fans of his unique style of graphic artwork. Over his lifetime he authored 21 books, most of which remain out of print.
- (Top)
Pele and Hi'iaka, A Tale of Two Sisters
by Dietrich Varez
Paperbound, 88 pages, 978-0-912180-69-4, 5.5x8.5, $14.95This beautifully illustrated book tells the famous story of Pele, goddess of Hawaii's volcanoes, and her youngest sister, Hi'iaka, the heroine of our story. Local author and artist Deitrich Varez retells this ancient legend with a simplified text and 40 new images in his distinct block print style.
- (Top)
-
by L. R. McBride
Paperbound, 64 pages, 0-912180-60-9, 5.5x8.5, $8.95This recently revised and updated book presents a summary of the information available on petroglyphs, how to view them, where to find them, and tips for taking photographs. With its many illustrations and photos, Petroglyphs of Hawai'i provides petroglyph buffs with extensive information and a complete bibliography of the sources used in the research.
New maps of the Island of Hawaii show the location of the vast petroglyph fields there, with detailed instructions on how to reach the most accessible sites. Although the largest number of petroglyphs are found on the island of Hawaii, petroglyphs can be found on all the Hawaiian Islands. - (Top)
Plants of Hawai'i - How to Grow Them
by Fortunato Teho
Paperbound, 124 pages, 978-0-912180-71-7, 5.5x8.5, $17.95
New Edition!Hawai'i is a perfect place for gardeners — islands where almost any plant will thrive year round. Plants of Hawai'i — How to Grow Them explores this verdant environment, examining both ornamental and food plants common to gardens in Hawai'i. This easy–to–read book contains a description of each plant and its origins, as well as information about propagation, culture, and pest control. The latest edition of this gardening classic includes a new chapter on Integrated Pest Management, earth–friendly recipes for pest control and a list of gardening resources. New chapters on Hibiscus and Heliconia have been added. Photos by award–winning photographer Jack Jeffrey will enhance the reader's experience. Whether planting ornamentals for artistic expression or enjoying home-grown food for nutrition, sustainability, and economics, let Plants of Hawai'i — How to Grow Them be your guide.
- (Top)
-
Practical Folk Medicine of Hawaii
by L. R. McBride
Paperbound, 120 pages, 978-0-912180-68-7, 5.5x8.5, $17.95
NEWLY REVISED AND RE-RELEASED!L. R. McBride combined his talents as a thorough researcher and botanical illustrator with a life-long interest in folk medicine to produce this book of extraordinary value for students of natural medicines and Hawaiiana.
Remedies consist
of fragments of the knowledge of the medical kähuna and
treatments that have come with immigrants from around the
world.Instructions are given for finding, identifying and using plants and herbs, including the tools needed to do the job. The fully illustrated text features an alphabetical listing of common ills and the natural products of the islands used to combat them.
- (Top)
-
Stars Over Hawaii - 3rd Edition
by E. H. Bryan, Jr.
Paperbound, 74 pages, 0-912180-58-7, 8.5x11, $19.95The stars in the night sky over the Hawaiian Islands overwhelm us with feelings of wonder and amazement. They evoke images of Hawai'i's first people, sailing from faraway lands, finding their way by use of the stars in the heavens. Their knowledge of the skies, from Hokupa'a (North Star) to Hanaiakamalama (Southern Cross) helped them navigate the vast Pacific in voyaging canoes and discover new homes. Today, astronomers have explored the heavens with the use of advanced telescopes, satellites and space vehicles traveling to our sun, moon, planets and beyond. Two voyages of discovery separated by centuries, have both found a home in Hawai'i.
A regional astronomy classic for decades, the 3rd Edition has been reviewed, revised and updated by Dr. Timothy Slater, Astronomer at University of Wyoming at Laramie; senior scientist at CAPER Center for Astronomy and Physics Education Research; and an IAU member. Dr. Slater offered to contribute an update in memory of their mutual friend and colleague, the late Dr. Richard A. Crowe. In 2002 Dr. Crowe undertook the first update to Stars Over Hawaii in over 25 years, providing a tremendous amount of new science, while retaining the charm and voice of the book's creator, Edwin Bryan, Jr., as published in 1955 when he worked at Bishop Museum. Mr. Bryan's monthly Hawaiian star charts and star chart finder represent a distinguished accomplishment. Dr. Crowe added a chapter on Polynesian Voyaging and Wayfinding, and arranged for reproduction of the Polynesian Voyaging Society Star Compasses, in addition to a substantial science update. Dr. Slater has polished the statistics and updated facts with a sensitivity to Hawaiian culture gained through working with hundreds of teachers in Hawai'i. A new Hawaiian Moon Phases chart was added.Stars Over Hawai'i presents an introduction to the study of Astronomy and an overview of current knowledge about the night sky above us and the vast universe beyond. Descriptions of the constellations and some of the stories behind the Greek and Roman mythology that is associated with their names is included. Twelve monthly star charts, plus two that label star names in Hawaiian, will help guide you through the year in your own explorations of Hawai'i's brilliant starlit sky. Readers can learn about "Lahaina Noon," when the sun casts no shadow, a phenomenon exclusive to latitudes near the equator. Hawaiian Astronomy is explored through legend, surviving oral history, and the ongoing observation of the skies and our planet. The Hawaiian Moon Calendar is discussed and the Nights of the Moon are depicted and labeled in Hawaiian and other Pacific languages. Polynesian voyaging and wayfinding is celebrated with the inclusion of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Star Compasses.
Man's knowledge of our solar system and the universe has increased dramatically in the 60 years since Stars Over Hawai'i was first published. This latest edition builds upon a solid foundation to bring star gazers up to date with current statistics and theories about our universe. Stars Over Hawai'i marries the knowledge of the masterful navigators and astronomers of ancient Hawai'i with today's astronomy experts to bring you an integrated view of Hawai'i's skies, past and present.
- (Top)
-
by Richard Stevens
Paperbound, 84 pages, 5.5x8.5, 0-912180-57-9, $9.95Starting with the legends and history of the pandanus tree, this valuable book covers a broad range of information from a description of the hala tree and its many uses to instructions for the weaving of lauhala products made from the leaf.
The ancient Hawaiians made numerous items for daily use, from floor mats to sails, food baskets to beds. Directions for cleaning and preparing the leaves for weaving are included, along with tips for the care and preservation of lauhala. An interesting chapter on lauhala products shows the many uses of woven lauhala. Also included is a chapter on the Hawaiian names for the different parts of the hala tree, along with the uses of these various parts. This book covers everything that the curious reader needs to know to gain an appreciation for this useful tree and its versatile products.
- (Top)
-
Tropical Organic Gardening - Hawaiian Style
by Richard Stevens
Paperbound, 84 pages, 5.5x8.5, 0-912180-57-9, $9.95Anyone who wants to grow a garden organically in a tropical climate will find Tropical Organic Gardening~Hawaiian Style an invaluable resource. Growing food organically has increased dramatically in the twenty years since this book was originally published as Organic Gardening in Hawaii. Attitudes toward improved personal health and the welfare of the natural environment have prompted changes in farming and gardening approaches.
Author Richard Stevens has drawn upon years of experimenting in his gardens to share valuable information and insights with the reader. His vast knowledge about tropical gardening was acquired through experiences in many places around the world including Guam, Vietnam, and China. Growing practices in Old Hawaii are discussed, giving insight into life in a pre-chemical world and placing organic gardening in historical perspective. Basic principles of organic gardening have been modified for tropical conditions and resources. Following an introduction to building a healthy soil, readers are given tools for natural pest control, companion plants, and organic fertilizers. Nutritional information and growing tips for popular fruits, vegetables and herbs are included. Remedies for nutrient and insect problems are conveniently listed in separate tables. The environmental impact of chemical farming is also addressed.
Richard Stevens has written a book both practical and beautiful, with a prose style that transforms a gardening manual into a work of art. Reading this book is sharing a poets love for the earth, gaining renewed respect for nature and embracing the joy of growing food organically.
- (Top)
-
The Art of John Webber (1752 - 1793)
Set of 8 prints in mailing envelope, $8.95The first pictures seen by Europeans of the newly-discovered "Sandwich Islands" were those of John Webber. They are still among the most compelling images of Hawai'i ever produced, transporting one back to that time and place. Much of what we know about Hawaiian culture at the time of first contact with the West was conveyed through Webber's drawings. A keen observer, he integrated many small details into his works, producing studies of weapons and artifacts, people and places. Upon his return to London from the Pacific in 1780 Webber's work was greeted with enthusiasm. Webber produced many engravings to accompany the official narrative of the voyage, including twelve plates of Hawai'i.
Petroglyph Press, Ltd. takes pride in reproducing eight selected John Webber Hawai'i engravings, once again making these historic and timeless images available.
- (Top)
-
~~NEW PRODUCT~~
From Petroglyph Press comes blank books with island design coversDon't let lines rule your life! These blank books are perfect for freeing your creativity. Write free of lines, sketch, turn them into a photo-album or scrap-book; these books have no limits! Nine island designs offer range of cover choices, for just $5.95.
- (Top)