Post #773026 by kenbo-jitsu on Wed, Feb 15, 2017 10:54 PM

The first two books on your list, both by Sven A. Kirsten, and I would also add Kirsten's book Tiki Modern, are the only books I know which deal solely, directly, and seriously with the subject of your research. The theories you mentioned are all discussed there in detail plus a great deal more. Frankly, these books are all you really need.

Sippin' Safari (Jeff Berry) and Tiki Quest (Duke Carter) might provide some supporting material. The remaining books on your list will probably not be useful. They're great books but they're more relevant to the Tiki Revival.

A few books not on your list which might be good supporting sources:
Tiki Mugs (Jay Strongman) The first chapter.
How Daddy Became A Beachcomber (Marilyn Hedley)
Scrounging the Islands with the Legendary Don the Beachcomber (Arnold Bitner)

If by "Primary Sources" you mean books written at the time, then I would recommend these as highlights:

The poetry of Don Blanding especially Leaves from a Grass-House, Vagabond's House, Hula Moons, and Hawaii Says Aloha.
The novels of James A. Michener especially Tales of the South Pacific, Hawaii, and Return of Paradise.
The novels of W. Somerset Maugham especially The Moon and Sixpence, Rain, and Ah King.
Books by Thor Heyerdahl especially Kon Tiki and Aku Aku.
The Trader Vic autobiography?? I haven't read it so I can't really comment.

These works won't discuss your topic as a topic, but they should hopefully exemplify whatever theories you're going to propose.

I hope it's a fun project for you. Good luck!