Great Tales from New Zealand History

Description

Forty-six diverse, absorbing stories which reveal the often forgotten colour and vibrancy of our country's past. Who really did discover New Zealand? Who were the real villains at Parihaka? Have we written timid explorer Abel Tasman out of our history books? What became of the threat of Russian invasion in the 1880s? Why did so many Kiwi lads die in the deep grey mud at Passendale? The true story behind the massacre of Japanese prisoners-of-war in the Wairarapa prison camp. This great collection of tales explores these and many more questions and issues which have fascinated New Zealanders and filled many a page in many a history book over the years. Gordon McLauchlan, a master storyteller who recognises a good yarn when he sees it, brings a fresh perspective on some old and often vexed periods in New Zealand's history.

Gordon McLauchlan is a well-known journalist, author and social commentator. He is a seasoned media commentator not afraid to speak his mind. His previous books include: The Line that Dares - A History of the Union Steam Ship Company (1987); A History of New Zealand Humour (1988); The Story of New Zealand Beer (1995); A Life's Sentences - A Memoir (2004); Great Tales From New Zealand History (2005, reprinted in 2008); A Short Short History of New Zealand (2005, reprinted 2007); The Life and Times of Auckland (2008); The Saltwater Highway: The Story of Ports and Shipping in New Zealand (2012); The Passionless People (2012); and A Short History of New Zealand (2014). He was also editor-in-chief of The New Zealand Encyclopaedia (Bateman, 1984, revised 1987, 1991, 1995) for ten years.