So that was a bad week, nevermind, the blog is back on and so is ‘what we are reading’ this being number 6 and definitely my favourite so far.
Frank Hurley in Papua: photographs of the 1920-1923 expeditions.
The book is a collection of photographs, compiled by Jim Specht and John Fields, taken on Hurley’s expeditions to Papua. The work is astounding. Not just the photos but the architecture of Papua at the time.
There are of course obligatory photos of heads:
And wonderful costumes:
But what really stands out is the architecture, particularly this Longhouse in ‘Kau ravi’ in Kaimari village, Gulf Province:
The ability to build and maintain this structure speaks volume of the advanced nature of Papuan culture. Have a look, this book is just marvelous.
Tighearnan John Kelly 
I really like the idea that in a location which is prone to so many storms, and all forms of wild weather, people are still able to give a very large middle finger to the elements and build whatever impressive structure they like.