Kamehameha learned early the perils of rivalry. He was kidnapped at birth to avoid the wrath of his grandfather, King of the island of Hawaii, who doubted his royal blood. Carefully guarded as a boy by those who believed in his princely right to the throne, it was years before he could appear in safety at the royal court to receive rigorous training of a young prince. He grew up to become a magnificent warrior, displaying those qualities that enabled him to survive both the battles and court intrigues which resulted when the old king died and his successors fought for the throne.

The Hawaiian Islands were isolated from the rest of the world, and each had its own king. There was constant warring as rival chiefs fought each other for island supremacy. Only after much blood had been shed did Kamehameha finally become the king he was born to be. And it was Kamehameha who led the islands he loved to unity, guiding them with wisdom and courage.

Concerned for the welfare of his people, he established laws designed to protect the weak and the aged; he increased the prosperity of the islands and followed the path of peace throughout his entire region.

Under Kamehameha's leadership and that of his beloved queen, the islands flourished under a single flag, and gained recognition throughout the world.

From the dust jacket