Purchase Your Copy Of Pictures Of Change In Paradise

      This 2nd Revised Edition has won a Bronze Award in History from the Nonfiction Author's Association and the first revised edition is 'on call' at the Library of Congress in the Jefferson and Adams Reading Rooms in Washington, D.C. Plus, a positive review has been given by Kirkus Reviews which states: "A simple, uniquely intimate gateway resource into the early history of American Samoa as well as the influences of colonialism."

      This Title showcases 55 rare historical black and white professional photographs/illustrations circa 1910 of Samoan culture, people, places and buildings plus 7 other illustrations also included pertaining to the subject matter. The illustrations/photographs include buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Register. The collection of photographs were passed down to the author by three generations of her grandmothers and an aunt saved in a lightly leather bound family photo album with short descriptions underneath. A freelance graphic designer made double negatives and enhanced each photograph in order to make digital illustrations of them. The original 'Ata Mai Samoa' 4 x 6 album rests at the Records of the Government of American Samoa/National Archives. The majority of the photos were taken in American Samoa, a territory of the United States by unknown professional photographer(s) circa 1910. The photographs also depict the forming of the new Naval Guardsman on Island known as the Fitafita made up of Chiefs (Matai) which can refer to an Ali'i or Tulafale. Taupou's and Siva Dancers are also presented within the backdrop in some instances of Pago Pago Harbor where the U.S. Naval Station, Tutuila, once resided.

      This 2nd Revised Edition paperback is published on better quality paper with a shiny semi-gloss ink throughout including the 62 illustrations which enable for a clearer and somewhat glossy effect for the photographs and design work.

      In an indigenous Samoan art class at American Samoa Community College taught by Reggie Meredith, Karen Wheat learned about the fine art of siapo (tapa design), Samoan mat making, and Samoan pottery. There is a chapter on siapo design and art included in Karen's book. The Editor, John Enright, was also the American Samoan Historical Preservation Officer (retired) and is an independent established editor and author of both fiction and poetry. Alison Nordstrom PhD, an Independent Scholar of Photographs of all kinds, also contributed to PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE in American Samoa (circa 1910) and both Ms. Nordstom and Mr. Enright wrote contributions within this book.

      Karen Wheat has been working and researching this finally published project off and on for the past eighteen years, and it has brought her the joy of getting to know the Samoan people, the Samoan culture and the history of the United States Territory of American Samoa.

PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE in American Samoa (circa 1910) can be purchased online via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart.  

    Karen’s 17.57 minute radio interview below occurred in February 2018 with John Raynar, at 93KHJ in American Samoa (AS). Justin Maga, Territorial Librarian, also reflects on my book, PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE At the Turn of the 20th Century in American Samoa (1st Revised Edition which is shown above at the Library of Congress). Please note that the book signing mentioned there at the Feleti Barstow Public Library, AS, has already occurred. This interview is also a good summation of the newer 2nd Revised Edition offered on this site entitled PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE in American Samoa (circa 1910). The 2nd Revised Edition offered on Amazon is printed on better quality paper along with semi-gloss text and illustrations in which the 1st Revised Edition does not have.  

      Karen Wheat was the Bronze Award Winner for History in 2017 by the Nonfiction Authors Association (NFAA) for her first revised edition of PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE At the Turn of the 20th Century in American Samoa. This award label was placed on this second revised edition of PICTURES OF CHANGE IN PARADISE in American Samoa (circa 1910) with the title shortened.