Two Years Among New Guinea Cannibals A Naturalist's Sojourn Among the Aborigines of Unexplored New Guinea

A determined naturalist ventures into the still‑unmapped interior of New Guinea, trading the comforts of coastal settlements for dense jungles, rugged ridges and the ever‑present bite of relentless mosquitoes. His journal captures the daily hardships of hauling supplies, navigating razor‑thin mountain passes, and confronting the unknown with the help of a few welcoming locals. Along the way he sketches vivid portraits of the island’s people— their elaborate shell ornaments, tight‑laced waistbands, and complex tribal customs—while noting the astonishing variety of birds, insects and plants that thrive in this remote landscape.

The narrative balances scientific curiosity with the raw reality of life on the frontier. Readers are drawn into lively encounters with chiefs, the rhythm of village life, and the stark contrast between the bustling ports of Thursday Island and the silent, untouched valleys beyond. With keen observation and a touch of humor, the author paints a picture of a world that, at the turn of the twentieth century, still guarded its secrets from the outside world.