'An Essay toward a Dictionary and Grammar of the Lesser-Australian language, according to the Dialect used at the Marquesas. Compiled from the collections and information of William Crook, who was sent to those Islands by the Missionary Society, and resided at them from 6 June 1797 to 8 Jany 1799'

This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London

  • Reference
    • GB 102 CWML MSS/305
  • Former Reference
    • GB 102 CWML F1
  • Dates of Creation
    • [late 18th Century]
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English North Marquesan
  • Physical Description
    • 1 vol (91 pp)

Scope and Content

Manuscript, Marquesan-English Dictionary, with general remarks and notes on grammar.

Administrative / Biographical History

William Pascoe Crook was born in 1775. He was appointed to the South Seas with the London Missionary Society, and sailed on 10 Aug 1796. He arrived at Santa Christina (Tahuata), Marquesas, on 6 Jun 1797. In June 1798, being on board an American vessel, which was blown off the island, he was landed at Nukuhiva, one of the Marquesas. Here he remained until 8 Jan 1799, when he returned to England. He married Hannah Dare. Returning, he arrived at Moorea, 8 May 1816. He removed to Wilks' Harbour (Papeete), Tahiti, in 1818, and to Bogue's Town, Taiarabu, Tahiti, Oct 1823. Early in 1825 he revisited Tahuata, and left three 'native teachers' there. In Sep 1830 he left Tahiti and retired to New South Wales, when his connection with the Society ceased. He died at Melbourne, 14 Jun 1846.

Access Information

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Alternative Form Available

Photocopy of manuscript also available at reference CWML MSS 305.