Der Papalagi

The Papalagi (Der Papalagi) is a book by Erich Scheurmann published in Germany in 1920, which contains descriptions of European life, supposedly as seen through the eyes of a Samoan chief named Tuiavii. It is regarded as fictional by some, such as Gunter Senft (see his Weird Papalagi and a fake Samoan chief — A footnote to the Noble Savage Myth). In 1997 Canadian author Peter Cavelti adapted Scheurmann’s work to the English language audience, translating Chief Tuiavii’s speeches and presenting a comprehensive analysis of the history, culture and linguistic traditions of early 20th century…