Release date is 2008-03-22

Paul the diver -- The old sea life -- The blind man of Admiralty Island -- Nisân Island: a tale of the old trading days -- Mutinies -- "Mâni" -- At night -- The cranks of the Julia brig -- "Dandy", the ship's Dingo -- Kala-Hoi, the netmaker -- The kanaka labour trade in the Pacific -- My friends, the Anthropophagi -- On the "joys" of recruiting "blackbirds" -- Making a fortune in the South Seas -- The story of Tokolmé -- "Lano-Tô" -- "Ombre Chevalier" -- A recluse of the bush -- Te-Bari, the outlaw -- "The dandiest boy that ever stood up in a boat" -- The pit of Maotâ -- Vanâki, the strong swimmer -- Two Pacific Islands birds -- A night run across Fâgaloa Bay -- A bit of good luck -- Modern pirates -- Pautôe -- The man who knew everything -- The pattering of the mullet.

Produced by David Widger

"The Call of the South" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the captivating backdrop of the South Pacific, primarily focusing on characters involved in the pearling trade. At the center of the story is Paul Fremont, a seasoned diver struggling with a fever while navigating the intricacies of relationships and the challenges of their perilous profession. The opening of the book introduces the reader to Paul, who is recuperating from a bout of illness aboard his vessel. As he recovers, he engages in conversation with the narrator, sharing tales from his past experiences, particularly a harrowing encounter with hostile natives during a diving expedition in New Ireland. This section hints at a deeper exploration of themes such as survival, camaraderie, and the tension between European settlers and indigenous populations in the Pacific Islands. The narrative sets a tone of adventure infused with cultural insights, drawing readers into the captivating world of late 19th-century maritime life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified