A Concise History of New Zealand

Cambridge Concise Histories

by Philippa Mein Smith

In this new account of New Zealand's history, Philippa Mein Smith considers the rugged and dynamic land from its break from Gondwana 80 million years ago to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Mein Smith highlights the effects of the country's small size and isolation, from late settlement by Polynesian voyagers, very late colonization and settlement by Europeans, and the interactions that made these people Maori and Pakeha, to struggles over land, and efforts through time to manage global forces. Placing New Zealand in its global and regional context, the book reveals its links to Britain, despite being immersed in the Pacific, and part of Australasia. Distinctively, it reveals key moments contributing to the founding of the country's national myths.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 2 out of 5]

Home to some of your favorite things (orcs, Murray), you'd expect to feel exhilarated learning about one of the newest places people that might look like you colonized, but you won't leave this book feeling that way. It falls into the hole that so many histories do, with an overemphasis on economics and politics that the lay person could care less about. Mind-blearing sections on Rogernomics alternate with fascinating if confusing sections on the Maori struggle for their rightful rights. The Maori bits are really good, but confusing because a lot of Maori words and phrases are used without any explanation. Halfway through I realized there was a Maori glossary at the back of the book! Then you just feel stupid.
Anyway, enough about me--the Maori parts are good, and you can't help but be fascinated by NZ's soaring natural wealth and cultural awesomeness. It'll likely be the one place where humans will remain when some turdy pandemic starts, maybe a few other islands. Unfortunately, you get little sense of that awesomeness here since there is hardly anything about culture except for the Maori bits. Too much economy and politics. Get with it, historians!

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, yet highly boring. And it jumps around a bit. Only recommended if you want to learn about New Zealand's history and enjoy something that reads like a textbook.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive and useful history that taught me so much. It would have been nice if the prose were less dry, and more explanation was frequently needed for non-NZ readers (who must surely be assumed to be part of the audience for this book).

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and brief introduction to New Zealand history. Recommended for a first time history reader or New Zealand.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid history of New Zealand. I couldn't find anything that was especially highly regarded, so this was good enough. Worth a read if you are going to New Zealand...otherwise, not so much.

[Anne]

I got about halfway through this book, but it was a hard one to get excited about. Maybe I'll finish it someday...

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading but some redundancy and much opinion.

[Mariya]

NO