In writing this book, Queen Lili‘uokalani chronicled her upbringing and the events of her overthrow, and she responded to the 1894 Morgan Report, which attempted to justify the coup against her. The cover illustration includes two kāhili, or the symbolic staff of the state. Made from feathers, kāhili are important emblems of Hawaiian royalty with direct ties to the tradition of featherwork as well as ritual. A floral lei, topped with a crown, encircles “Liliu,” the queen’s birthname.