SOME PROBLEMS.

The investigation of the early contact history of Europeans and the peoples of the Pacific islands has elicited interest in a literature with its own peculiar problems and merits: the books written by or in behalf of the so-called "beachcombers". Since the publication of Maude's pioneer article in 1964, increasing numbers of scholars have devoted themselves to the different aspects of beachcomber studies. Furthermore, beachcomber books which are not easily accessible are being re-edited, and manuscripts are being published for the first time. One of the beachcomber narratives which still awaits a critical new edition is the account of the adventures of Samuel Patterson which has hitherto been published twice: 1817 and 1825. Patterson's book of 1817 was published as a benefit edition in favour of the author. In the preface, the editor describes the process of its composition: