the penguin history of new zealand by michael king

King, who sadly was killed in 2004, shows a remarkable ability to synthesize a huge body of research and present it in a coherent form. Michael King, however, with his extensive knowledge of Maoritanga (Maori culture and language), has done an able job in writing about the robust interaction of the Maori with those with European ancestry who settled later. Not only has it updated the earlier, standard history of New Zealand by Keith Sinclair but it has given a more extensive treatment to the prehistoric period and a more balanced and integrated appreciation of the history of the indigenous peoples of the country.Įarlier histories were typified by the statement of a geographer who said that “a people with no land came to a land with no people.” As a result the Maori were invisible and ignored in many of the earlier historical accounts.

Among his recent projects was head of illustrations research for the Frontier of Dreams television series.The Penguin History of New Zealand by Michael King is the best entry point for people wanting to understand the story of Aotearoa-New Zealand and its peoples.Īlthough it is a general history it is comprehensive (500 pages) and is immensely readable. David Filer, who researched the illustrations and wrote the captions, is a Wellington-based researcher. It is very much Michael King?s Penguin History plus some illustrations. This new edition is not an ?illustrated history of New Zealand? as such. Note that there are only 300 illustrations, carefully selected.

David Filer is also writing the captions to the illustrations under our direction. To Michael King?s wonderful text has been added nearly 300 illustrations researched by David Filer: photographs, early paintings, engravings, maps and ephemera. This is an illustrated hardback edition in full colour in the same format as Gerard Hutchings? Natural World of New Zealand.

King?s text has been hailed for its accessibility and for being positive and constructive in a time of uncertainty. Total sales in paperback and hardback have recently reached a staggering 220,000. The late Michael King?s acclaimed Penguin History of New Zealand is the local publishing phenomenon of the early twentieth century.

The penguin history of new zealand by michael king