Publisher's Synopsis
The renowned historian Paul Moon along with Peter Biggs have succinctly captured the many multi?layered threads that made up the tumultuous events in early New Zealand. Starting around 1800, the book moves to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and finishes with the Northland wars of 1845. Here can be found the European discovery of New Zealand, early missionaries, the Musket Wars, events in the political powerhouse of Great Britain, the appointment of a Resident, the Treaty of Waitangi, the start of the colonial Government, the first Governors, the economy of the country, the establishment of today?s major cities, the activities of the New Zealand Company ? and slow dance between Maori, the Government and the settlers over sovereignty and land. The long climb to today?s nationhood has its origins in these times. This book has the most important detail needed to really appreciate how and why the Treaty of Waitangi was written, its robust debate, the signing and its aftermath ? and the opportunity to evaluate its relevance today. And as the Treaty debate continues, this book makes more than a vital contribution: it is in fact three books in one.;First, for the general reader, it is an illustrated colour guide to events that brought the two worlds of the Maori and European together in an attempt to live as equals. Secondly it is a student?s guide to New Zealand?s early history. Thirdly it is a historian?s background to the colonial expansion of Great Britain into New Zealand. And to illuminate these times, there are many quotes, over 140 paintings and sketches, and many source documents. As a primer to these extraordinary times, this immensely readable, crisp and mesmerising account should fascinate the reader right to the last page.
