New Releases by James Michener

Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener brings Hawaii’s epic history vividly to life in a classic saga that has captivated readers since its initial publication in 1959. As the volcanic Hawaiian Islands sprout from the ocean floor, the land remains untouched for centuries—until, little more than a thousand years ago, Polynesian seafarers make the perilous journey across the Pacific, flourishing in this tropical paradise according to their ancient traditions. Then, in the early nineteenth century, American missionaries arrive, bringing with them a new creed and a new way of life. Based on exhaustive research and told in Michener’s immersive prose, Hawaii is the story of disparate peoples struggling to keep their identity, live in harmony, and, ultimately, join together. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener''s Centennial. Praise for Hawaii “Wonderful . . . [a] mammoth epic of the islands.”—The Baltimore Sun “One novel you must not miss! A tremendous work from every point of view—thrilling, exciting, lusty, vivid, stupendous.”—Chicago Tribune “From Michener’s devotion to the islands, he has written a monumental chronicle of Hawaii, an extraordinary and fascinating novel.”—Saturday Review “Memorable . . . a superb biography of a people.”—Houston Chronicle

This is an ebook version of a very rare Japanese woodblock print collection. Originally published in 1962 in a limited edition of 475 copies, The Modern Japanese Print soon became a collector''s item. Included in the folio-sized volume were ten original woodblock prints by contemporary Japanese artists. The idea for this unique presentation had originated with author, James Michener who hoped to assist this little known group of dedicated men achieve wider recognition. The original works of art in The Modern Japanese Print were selected in a contest judged by art experts in the United States and Japan who sought to find the best examples representing " the richness and power of the modern Japanese print movement ." The ten original woodblock prints are reproduced in full color; Mr. Michener''s text is retained completely. Aside from the artists whose works are shown, the author discusses many others who are contributing to the continuing development of this art form. James Michener''s perceptive, informative introduction to modern Japanese printmaking, with commentary on each of the works, including full technical details, is written with critical acumen and notable prose.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener was in his sixties when he began traveling frequently to the Florida Keys. One result of those visits was the novel Matecumbe, named after two of the islands that comprise the town of Islamorada, located approximately half way between Miami and Key West. Never before published, Matecumbe features many of the hallmarks of Michener''s best work, including detailed descriptions of place. However, the plot is much more intimate than that found in most of his large-scale, epic historical novels. Focusing on the parallel lives of a woman and her mother, both divorced, Michener spent his creative energy on character development and allegorical storytelling. Random House, his publisher, wasn''t pleased, and wanted the mega-best-selling author to concentrate on producing "heavyweight" books like Hawaii and Centennial. Matecumbe seemed too much in the vein of his earlier romance novel, Sayonara. So it sat in a drawer until, eventually, Michener gifted it--including the copyright--to Joe Avenick, his friend and former ghostwriter. Avenick played a key role in the research and writing of Sports in America and Chesapeake, and introduced Michener to Melissa (Missy) DeMaio, who soon became the primary reason for Michener''s increasingly frequent visits to the Keys. Biographers and critics have long agreed that Michener''s personality and his characters were both affected by his relationship with DeMaio. As perhaps his most encompassing autobiographical novel, and the one written in the midst of these changes, Matecumbe provides what may be tantalizing glimpses into Michener''s life.