Unquestionably the most complete and entertaining disclosure of the rich treasure-store of mid-Pacific myth with which the English-speaking world has yet been favored. When the series is finished, there will have been little unsaid on a subject intensely attractive to the mythologist, the student of comparative religion and the ethnologist.—Deseret Evening News, Salt Lake City, Utah, June, 1916.
A student of mythology will find many links between these legends and those of far-distant lands. The book will have vital interest for all lovers of folk-lore who will find much information in these tales of ancient tribes.—Book News, Philadelphia, Dec., 1915.
While the book will be of especial interest to students of ethnology and to those who have visited Honolulu, the romantic charm which pervades the Pacific Archipelago gives the history universal attraction to the reading public.—Globe, Boston, Mass., Oct. 25,1915.
A valuable addition to the world’s collection of folk-lore is made by Mr. W. D. Westervelt in “Legends of Old Honolulu.”—New York Times, Jan. 16, 1916.
Lovers of legendary Folk-lore may feast upon this collection of traditional tales of the Hawaiian people and their origin as first told by the old Hawaiian and sometimes touched up by the Hawaiian story-teller. Mr. Westervelt, a resident of Honolulu, was president of the Hawaiian Historical Society for some time.—Boston Transcript, Aug. 11, 1915. [[287]]
All these legends have their own particular appeal and the book may be classed among the rare offerings of the year.—Buffalo Courier, Aug. 29, 1915.
He writes as one well versed in his subject and some of the legends which he presents are of great beauty and show a fine and delicate imagination in their authors.—London Times, Sept. 23, 1915.
Mr. Westervelt is a historian of recognized standing and has given much time to the study of the Hawaiian Folk-Lore.—The Friend, Sept., 1915.
His contribution to folk-lore is as important and valuable as his books are attractive and interesting to read.—San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 8, 1916.
These legends show no lack of imagination on the part of the Hawaiian. They are simple, filled with superstition and largely concerned with wonderful chiefs and animals with extraordinary powers.—Christian Science Monitor, Aug., 1915.