Tales of the South Pacific

Tales of the South Pacific is the iconic, Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece that inspired a Broadway classic and launched the career of James A. Michener, one of America's most beloved storytellers. This thrilling work invites the reader to enter the exotic world of the South Pacific and luxuriate in the endless ocean, the coconut palms, the waves breaking into spray against the reefs, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes. And yet here also are the men and women caught up in the heady drama of World War II: the young Marine who falls for a beautiful Tonkinese girl; the Navy nurse whose prejudices are challenged by a French aristocrat; and all the soldiers and sailors preparing for war against the seemingly peaceful backdrop of a tropical paradise.

Praise for James A. Michener and Tales of the South Pacific

“Truly one of the most remarkable books to come out of [World War II] . . . Michener is a born storyteller.”—The New York Times

“Riveting and emotional . . . Ever since James Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific,the dreamers among us have been searching for our own Bali Ha'i.”—The Washington Post

“Atmospheric . . . [Tales of the South Pacific marks] the beginning of Michener's long exploration of what happens when cultures connect, or fail to.”—Los Angeles Times

“Few writers changed the face of American fiction as profoundly as did James Michener.”—San Francisco Chronicle


From the Paperback edition.