Best Papua New Guinea History Books of 2026

If you're looking to expand your knowledge of Norse mythology, "Norse Mythology: The Complete Guide" is a great resource. This book is a two-in-one package that covers everything from the origins and traditions of Nordic paganism to the secrets of Ragnarok and Viking battles. It also delves into the story of Asatru, the values of Nordic paganism, and mythological creatures in Norse paganism. The book is not just a storybook but a comprehensive manual that will take your knowledge of Norse mythology to another level. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any history enthusiast's collection.

Uncovering Celtic Mythology is a comprehensive beginner's guide that explores the world of Celtic myths, folklore, and legends. The book covers the origins of the Celtic people, their beliefs, and symbols. It also delves into Irish and Welsh mythologies, character profiles of mythical heroes, gods, and goddesses, and a curated collection of folktales. The book provides an excellent introduction to the subject matter that is accessible and engaging for readers of all levels of familiarity with Celtic mythology. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Celtic mythology and its enduring influence on modern culture.

"Lost in Shangri-La" is a compelling World War II rescue mission story that takes place in an isolated corner of the South Pacific. Mitchell Zuckoff masterfully recounts the true story of a trio of U.S. military personnel who survived a plane crash and were aided by ancient indigenous tribe members. The book is full of danger, daring, determination, and discovery in the jungle-clad New Guinea during the final days of WWII. The book has been praised for its remarkable cast of characters and engaging storytelling. Overall, "Lost in Shangri-La" is an absorbing adventure that deserves a spot on the shelf of Greatest Generation nonfiction.

The Magical World of Mermaid Coloring Book is the perfect coloring book for children aged 4-8 who love mermaids and the magical underwater world. With 50 unique designs of mermaids and their sea friends, this book offers a great opportunity for children to be creative and have fun. The designs are one-sided, featuring cheerful mermaid motifs and detailed backgrounds of the underwater world. Coloring these cute mermaids can help children relax, improve their mood and stimulate their imagination. This book makes a great gift for any little mermaid lover.

The Magnificent Boat: The Colonial Theft of a South Seas Cultural Treasure by Götz Aly is a thought-provoking historical account of German colonialism in the South Pacific. The book focuses on the acquisition of a fifteen-meter boat from the island of Luf in modern-day Papua New Guinea, which was obtained under dubious circumstances by a German trader in 1902. The author highlights the violence and pillaging of the German colonial expeditions in Oceania and the complicity of Berlin ethnologists in the campaign. The book raises questions about the legitimacy of retaining looted treasures from conquered places in Western museums. This book is a significant contribution to the debate over repatriation of such objects.

Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's Tragic Quest by Carl Hoffman is a gripping and fascinating account of the clash between two civilizations that resulted in the death of one of America's richest and most powerful scions. The book takes readers on a journey through New Guinea's jungles, immersing them in the world of former headhunters and cannibals, secret spirits and customs, and getting to know generations of Asmat. Hoffman's reporting draws a vivid portrait of the Asmat people and their complex culture. Overall, Savage Harvest is a mesmerizing whodunit and a must-read for anyone interested in travel and explorer biographies.

The Toughest Fighting in the World: The Australian and American Campaign for New Guinea in World War II is a classic firsthand account of the struggle to stop the Japanese advance toward Australia in 1942. The book tells the story of the grueling battleground in New Guinea, one of the major campaigns of World War II, lasting the entire war. The author, Australian war correspondent George H. Johnston, recorded the efforts of both the Australian and American troops, aided by the New Guinea native people, throughout 1942 as they fought a series of vicious and bitter battles against a determined foe. The book is a compelling case that the hardships endured by the soldiers in New Guinea from both nature and the enemy were among the most severe in the war.

A Short History of Papua New Guinea is a concise and informative book that details the growth of the British Papua and German New Guinea colonies and how they united to become one nation. The author, John Dademo Waiko, provides a comprehensive account of the effects that each colonial authority had on health, religion, education, and trade up to a decade after independence in 1975. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Papua New Guinea. The unique perspective of a Papua New Guinean historian, anthropologist, playwright, and politician makes this book stand out as an essential addition to any history buff's collection.

The Dugum Dani: A Papuan Culture in the Highlands of West New Guinea is a full-scale ethnography of the Dugum Dani tribe, focusing on the issue of hostility between groups of human beings and the place and function of violence. Anthropologist Professor Heider approaches the Dani from a holistic point of view, examining the role of warfare in terms of the particular needs and lack of them. Including previously unpublished photographs and descriptions of tribal life and warfare, this book provides anthropologists with a full and vivid account of Dani culture and with new insights into the general problems of human aggression.

This Papua New Guinea history book, titled "Papua-New Guinea: black unity or black chaos?" explores the country's struggle for unity post-independence. The book delves into the issues of ethnic diversity, corruption, and political instability that have plagued the country since gaining independence. The author provides an insightful and in-depth analysis of the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea and offers suggestions for a way forward. The book is an excellent resource for readers interested in the history and politics of Papua New Guinea.