Keneti: South Seas Adventures of Kenneth Emory

by Bob Krauss

South Seas Adventures of Kenneth Emory by Krauss, Bob

419 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1988

Reviews

[C Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by my dad, who has a relative featured who worked with Kenneth. I had heard stories about their travels, but was always concerned about how men at that time interacted with Pacific people. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Kenneth’s (and most others in this book) openness and appreciation for other cultures. He was focused on uncovering the truth in a non-judgmental, non-manipulative way, which I really appreciated.

The book is DRY as hell a lot of the time (hence why it took me so long to read/skim through it), so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are interested in anthropology or Kenneth himself!

[Ezra Haddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story of a pioneer anthropologist in Polynesia and the Pacific Islands. The author does a good job of researching and building the ladder of Mr. Emory’s career, carefully showing how each rung in the ladder connects to the next. However, at times, he seems to paper over Emory’s shortfalls with a thick gloss of “boyish charm.” If you’re looking for a book about adventuring, digging, and exploring in the South Pacific, this is a great place to start.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelous bio of prominent anthropologist Emory. Ahh, to have been sailing around the South Pacific in the 1920's.