Title: The Head-Hunters of Borneo (Oxford in Asia Paperbacks)
Author: Carl A. Bock
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Copyright Date: 1986-08-07
ISBN: 0195826299
Type: Paperback
Book condition: Very Good
Jacket condition: None as issued
Edition: Reprint

Notes: Clean, solid copy with no writing, highlighting, marks, or creased page corners. Cover is glossy with light surface wear. Bottom back corner of spine is bumped. Binding tight and square; no creases to spine or cover. Reprint of the original 1881 edition, including color plates.

About the Book

Despite its sensational title, Carl Bock's account of his travels in the 1870s in both Borneo and Sumatra covers much more than the well-known head-hunting pursuits of the Dayaks. Commissioned by the Dutch colonial authorities to make a journey into the little-explored districts of West Borneo, Bock proved to be a keen observer not only of the way of life of the peoples of the interior but also of their titular Malay overlords and of various aspects of colonial life. Similarly Bock's descriptions of his journeys in Sumatra, taken in this instance primarily as a naturalist, also portray vividly scenes of contemporary life and society in an era of Dutch expansion along with observations on the flora and fauna. In fact, The Head-Hunters of Borneo was a pioneer amongst books on Borneo and its inhabitants, and although many have traveled and observed in that island since Bock's account was published, his book still holds pride of place in terms of originality and interest. Written in a clear and unpretentious style, this remarkable volume is further enhanced by a collection of extremely fine colour plates.