Guys like Gauguin

Guys Like Gauguin: Writers and Artists in 1920s Tahiti is an exceptionally well-researched and engaging account of the remarkable writers, artists, and adventurers who gathered in Tahiti during the 1920s. The author has clearly done extensive research, uncovering fascinating details and connections that bring this extraordinary period to life. More than a collection of biographies, the book recreates the creative and social world of Tahiti after Gauguin—a place that continued to attract unconventional people searching for inspiration, adventure, and freedom. Informative, entertaining, and filled with wonderful historical detail. A five-star read for anyone interested in Tahiti, South Pacific history, art, or literature. I loved this book

In the 1920s, a group of writers and artists arrived in Tahiti which had long been described by outsiders as an island paradise. They included the flawed Zane Grey and the 'utterly immoral' Robert Keable, who happens to be the Author's grandfather. He examines the lives of more than 20 artists in this fascinating study of the 1920s craze.

The title is that of a poem by Selina Tusitala Marsh, and the first verse gives a good insight into the stance this book takes. It’s worth checking out, although it is reproduced in the book. This is the story of Tahiti, the magnet it became for romantics, adventurers and escapees, told through the kaleidoscope of writers and artists who spent time there and recorded, the geography, flora, fauna and people. The first part (five chapters) gives a brief history of the discovery and early visits, to map the Pacific and record the geography, people and flora and fauna – both in writings and pictures These voyages were often sponsored by the Admiralty and the resultant publications, including engravings of the sketches, drawing and paintings made, did much to create the illusion of an idyllic paradise. They also spoke of uninhibited nudity and promiscuity of the natives, who would welcome the crews and willingly satisfy their appetites. This, magazine reports at the turn of the 19th century and the first World War, led to a deluge in interest in escaping the ‘civilised world’, captured in the next three chapters (part two). While largely an illusion, diaries and letters did nothing to dispel ideas of plentiful free food, inexpensive living and the generous hospitality of the inhabitants. The third part, and by far the largest, part of the book (13 chapters) tells the stories of the painters and writers who spent much time there in the nineteen twenties, each chapter devoting itself to one or two characters. And what characters they are, mainly men, often fleeing unhappy marriages and deserting their children, to indulge themselves with young girls, far younger than themselves – often barely in their teens. The author is not condoning this behaviour and there are no gratuitous descriptions in the book. Indeed, one of the authors he writes about is his own absentee grandfather, Robert Keable, who his earlier biography “Utterly Immoral” chronicles. It is a fascinating insight into colonial morality and attitudes between the wars – the sense of entitlement, the exploitation and casual debauchery, the playboy culture. Reading “Utterly Immoral”, one might get the impression this was the isolated attitude of Robert Keable whereas, in reality, it was the ubiquitous approach of most curious travellers.

A fascinating book about Tahiti, which has a surprising number of echos with Rory Stewart’s Politics on the Edge, re outsiders coming into Afghanistan and Iraq: ‘invaders’ coming in and changing lands as they think it should be, not as the locals want it. Thought provoking, educational and well researched. At times, for the modern reader, horrifying and, to quote another book title by the author, Utterly Immoral. Recommended.

Thank you so very much for sending me [in advance Chapter 15 The runaway aristocrat, Jack Hastings] which I found utterly fascinating! The research you have done is extremely impressive, and you tell the story with such clarity and insight... Needless to say, I was deeply intrigued by your account of my father’s life on Moorea and Tahiti, his writing as well as his painting and an interesting social life, about all of which which I had known so little — and nothing at all about his two affairs! I’m sure you will have a great success with the book, which you certainly deserve, and which I very much look forward to reading.