Podcast
American History Tellers
The book was highlighted as a deep dive into Hawaii's royal dynasty and Queen Liliʻuokalani’s struggle against annexation, filling a gap the host noted in existing literature. Author Julia Flynn Siler explained her inspiration came from discovering Hawaiian artifacts and a desire to illuminate a largely overlooked chapter of American history. Host Lindsey Graham repeatedly recommended the title as essential listening for anyone wanting to understand the overthrow of Hawaii.
Episode: Hawai'i's Journey to Statehood | Lost Kingdom | 5
The author was initially inspired to write "Lost Kingdom" after seeing Hawaiian artifacts in a dusty old barn, sparking her interest in the Hawaiian Royal Dynasty and Queen Lili'uokalani. She felt there was a lack of information about the queen and decided to dig deeper into her history.
And all of a sudden it hit me, what are the connections between California and Hawaii? And having that experience, seeing these amazing Hawaiian artifacts made me think, aha, there is one royal dynasty in American history that most people don't know about, and that's the Hawaiian Royal Dynasty.
And Liliuokalani is a fascinating character from history. She really straddled two eras and two cultures. She was born in a grouse house, and yet she was highly educated and she wore Victorian era silk gowns and diamond tiaras. And she really fashioned herself after Queen Victoria of Britain.
She was such an interesting and powerful and important character in American history. I wanted to know more about her and I didn't find any sort of book that told me enough. So I decided to start digging.
So when you were researching this history and diving into this story for your book, Lost Kingdom, what sources did you use to learn about the queen and more about the old Hawaii?
I'm imprisoned in this room, the southeast corner, by the government of the Hawaiian Republic, for the attempt of the Hawaiian people to regain what had been wrested from them by the children of the missionaries who first brought the word of God to my people.
Episode: Hawai'i's Journey to Statehood | Day of Infamy | 4
It was discussed as a book about the life of Hawaii's first and only queen, Liliuokalani, and how she fought annexation by the United States. It was mentioned that the book also covers her life after annexation and her legacy today.
On the next episode, I'll speak with New York Times bestselling author Julia Flynn Seiler, author of Lost Kingdom, Hawaii's Last Queen, The Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure.
Episode: Hawaiʻi's Journey to Statehood | The Last Queen |...
This book was recommended to learn more about the overthrow of Hawaii.
If you'd like to learn more about the overthrow of Hawaii, we recommend Lost Kingdom by Julia Flynn Seiler and Captive Paradise by James Haley.
Episode: Hawaiʻi's Journey to Statehood | The Last Queen |...
The podcast recommends this book for learning more about the overthrow of Hawaii.
If you'd like to learn more about the overthrow of Hawaii, we recommend Lost Kingdom by Julia Flynn Seiler and Captive Paradise by James Haley.