''A Pattern of Islands'' (also known as ''We Chose the Islands'' in American editions) is a memoir by Sir Arthur Grimble recounting his time in the

Gilbert and Ellice Islands The Gilbert and Ellice Islands (GEIC as a colony) in the Pacific Ocean were part of the British Empire from 1892 to 1976. They were a protectorate from 1892 to 12 January 1916, and then a colony until 1 January 1976. The history of the colony w ...

as a cadet officer and Resident Commissioner between 1914 and 1933. The book, which was first published by John Murray in 1952 and was republished by

Eland Eland may refer to: Animals *''Taurotragus'', a genus of antelope ** Common eland of East and Southern Africa ** Giant eland of Central and Western Africa Places * Eland, Wisconsin, United States * An old spelling of Elland, West Yorkshire * Ela ...

in 2010, gives an attractive account of island life and colonial rule, based on Grimble's extensive engagement with the islanders. The book was adapted as a film, '' Pacific Destiny'', released in 1956, and Grimble wrote a sequel, ''Return to the Islands''.

References

1952 non-fiction books Gilbert and Ellice Islands British memoirs Books about Oceania Books about the British Empire Eland Books books {{memoir-stub