The Cannibal Islands, by R.M. Ballantyne.
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This book describes some of the voyages of Captain Cook to Tahiti and
other islands in the Pacific. Tahiti had been previously discovered by
a Captain Wallis, and Cook was sent out there in order to make some
astronomical observations that could not be done in Europe. The island
was very verdant, and it was scarcely necessary for its people to work
at all, so that they were very indolent. They were also inclined to
steal, although they realised that it was wrong to do so.
There is a description of some of the more revolting habits of certain
Pacific islanders, for instance preparing the body of a slain rival so
that it could be "worn" by slipping the head through a hole made right
in the middle of the body. There was also cannibalism on some of the
islands, which of course laid people open to CJD and similar diseases
that are slow to take effect, but very devastating when they do.
The book tells in great detail the final episode of his life when he was
murdered by the islanders, whom he had been so glad to know.
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THE CANNIBAL ISLANDS, BY R.M. BALLANTYNE.