Pathway of the Birds: The Voyaging Achievements of Māori and their Polynesian Ancestors

Crowe's work synthesizes generations of knowledge-building on Oceania and Island Southeast Asia. Pathway of the Birds shames highly trained archaeologists and anthropologists in its deeply engaging narrative of the peopling of the world's most remote islands. Drawing upon an incredible amount of multidisciplinary research, Crowe does what countless Malalayo-Polynesian ethnographies fail to do by summarizing and expounding upon such a rich and complicated area of study without becoming bogged down in jargon and processual dehumanization. A must-read for all scholars of Polynesia.

Excellent overall knowledge of the Pacific, especially New Zealand. Much fastidious research over many years. A well-honed understanding of Pacific language cognates, birds, archaeology, and plants. Written by a Pacific enthusiast who enjoyed understanding its far-flung islands like constructing an enormous jigsaw puzzle. Very readable. Well-illustrated. Great maps. Highly recommended by one who is also a New Zealander and Pacific specialist along the same lines. Congratulations on a great job!

This is likely one of the very best books that deal with the fascinating history of the incredible voyages and discoveries by the Polynesian peoples. Wonderful maps and beautiful photographs enhance the narrative greatly. Anyone interested in the geography and history of the Pacific Ocean is richer by having this book in their library.

I have purchased a few books on this exact subject and this is the clear winner. It’s a bit hard to follow, as it jumps around, but taken a chapter at a time, it’s very well done. Good diagrams and photos as well.

I bought this book because I was interested in how the Polynesian islands were colonized. It’s a wonderful review of all the different islands and the various elements that make each one of them navigable Through the avian migration patterns the seasonal currents and winds to the resources and inventiveness of the natives this book gives a good insight into the area and its colonization