Sea People

Sea People by Christina Thompson is a riveting historical exploration that delves into the mysterious origins and epic journeys of the Polynesians—one of the world's most enigmatic and adventurous seafaring peoples. The narrative unfolds over a thousand years ago, focussing on how these master navigators discovered and colonised the far-flung islands within a vast triangle from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island, long before European explorers set foot in the Pacific Ocean.

The Polynesians were unique in their time, being both the most widely dispersed yet closely related people on the planet. Their incredible voyages represent one of the greatest adventures in humanity’s history, as these ancient mariners traversed the largest ocean in the world without the aid of writing, metal tools, or modern navigation techniques.

Christina Thompson's journey into this enthralling subject is both academic and personal. Her connection to this history runs deep, as she is married to a Maori man, with whom she shares sons who are direct descendants of these ancient voyagers. Through their family ties, Thompson brings an intimate and engaging perspective that enriches the narrative, blending her own modern-day experiences with historical inquiry.

In Sea People, Thompson meticulously examines how the Polynesians' remarkable feats of exploration raised what came to be known in the eighteenth century as the Problem of Polynesian Origins—one of the great geographical mysteries. She investigates how these navigators managed to find and settle islands scattered across thousands of kilometres, a puzzle that has intrigued and baffled sailors, linguists, archaeologists, folklorists, biologists, and geographers for over three centuries.

This masterful work intertwines elements of history, geography, anthropology, and the science of navigation, offering a comprehensive and engrossing look at the pioneering spirit and maritime expertise of the Polynesians. Thompson’s rigorous research is enriched by the vivid storytelling that brings to life the extensive cast of explorers and scholars who have sought to unravel this maritime enigma.

Winner of the 2020 Australian Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Nonfiction and the 2019 NSW Premier's History Awards for General History, Sea People has been praised for its depth and eloquence. Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan, describes it as “wonderfully researched and beautifully written,” while Dava Sobel, author of Longitude, applauds it for conjuring a lost world.

Sea People stands as a captivating homage to the intrepid spirit of the Polynesians and a testament to the enduring allure of their voyages. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in human history, maritime adventure, or the captivating mysteries of the Pacific Ocean.