Description: Noenoe K. Silva creates a model indigenous intellectual history of a culture where--using Western standards--none is presumed to exist by examining the work of two lesser-known Hawaiian language writers from the nineteenth-century whose prolific output across many genres created a record of Native Hawaiian cultural history and thought.
Review Quotes: "A must-read for anyone interested in Hawaiian intellectual history and indigenous studies, this book results from amazing research and work that do not, however, weigh on Silva's clear and cogent writing."--Cristina Bacchilega, Journal of American History
"The Power of the Steel-tipped Pen is the most in-depth exploration of Native Hawaiian intellectual history to be published to date. . . . [It] is likely to join Aloha Betrayed as part of the modern canon of Hawaiian history, as well as provide a potential model for Indigenous intellectual histories in Oceania and elsewhere."--Kealani Cook, Journal of Pacific History "Noenoe K. Silva's work provides readers with a deeply meaningful way of studying the past in relation to the present and future. . . . Deeply motivating."--Emalani Case, European Journal of American Culture "The Power of the Steel-Tipped Pen offers a master class on how to use an archive. Required reading for anyone interested in the fields of Hawaiian history or Hawaiian studies."--Hi'ilei Julia Hobart, Contemporary Pacific "Any reader with an interest in indigenous studies will find this text offering several valuable methodological lessons as well as a wonderful example of a community-centered scholarship of practice."--Natchee Blu Barnd, American Indian Culture and Research Journal "Noenoe K. Silva (Kanaka Hawai'i) has published another brilliant and much-needed contribution to several scholarly fields, including intellectual history, indigenous studies, and Hawaiian historiography. . . . This project not only serves to add nuance to scholarly understandings of Hawaii's history by considering the often-ignored archive of Hawaiian-language texts, but, more importantly, contributes to the indigenous sovereignty movement in Hawaii."--Leah Kuragano, Journal of American Studies "A compelling and erudite book whose linguistic and methodological range demonstrates that dedication to Indigenous futures is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian intellectual history. . . [The Power of the Steel-Tipped Pen] powerfully brings together close readings, biographical study, and historical contextualization. Silva has produced a major work that demands the attention of all readers committed to Hawaiian history, Hawaiian literature, and Hawaiian studies."--David A. Chang, Native American and Indigenous Studies