The Penguin History of New Zealand

De: Michael King

This bestselling book, the triumphant fruit of careful research, wide reading and judicious assessment, is the unchallenged contemporary reference on the history of New Zealand.

New Zealand was the last country in the world to be discovered and settled by humankind. It was also the first to introduce full democracy. Between those events, and in the century that followed, the movements and conflicts of human history have been played out more intensively and more rapidly in New Zealand than anywhere else on Earth.

The Penguin History of New Zealand tells that story in all its colour and drama. The narrative that emerges is an inclusive one about men and women, Maori and Pakeha. It shows that British motives in colonising New Zealand were essentially humane; and that Maori, far from being passive victims of a 'fatal impact', coped heroically with colonisation and survived by selectively accepting and adapting what Western technology and culture had to offer.


Also available as an eBook

PLATINUM PREMIER NEW ZEALAND BESTSELLER READERS' CHOICE AWARD
2004 MONTANA NEW ZEALAND BOOK AWARDS
NIELSEN BOOKDATA NEW ZEALAND BOOKSELLERS' CHOICE AWARD - BEST OF THE BEST, 2011

Simply Excellent

I love the chronological history laid out in this book and the way the author also comments on misconceptions and their potential historical basis.
The narrator is excellent also.

Forests and trees

Better at describing the latter. At times sounds like a recitation of New Zealand’s vital statistics.

Did not enjoy

extremely dry listing of facts, hoped for much more before my visit to New Zealand.

Not A Well Balanced Historical Perspective

Author often highlighted in depth liberal achievement but did not provide prospective on problems they caused later on in history. NZ history and achievements are the result of various political influences.

Boring story that put me to sleep

Very dry reading. It did not keep
My interest. Traveled to New Zealand and enjoyed the past history by visiting museums. Would not recommend this book.