Author(s): From Earliest Times to 1840 by R.A.A. Sherrin; From 1840 to 1845 by J.H. Wallace

Early NZ | Secondhand

While the first colony of New Zealand was officially founded in 1840 settlers felt there was far more relevant history contributing to the colonization of New Zealand previous to this time. This database contains a history of early New Zealand beginning with the voyages of Captain Cook in the region. The first half of the book is written by R.A.A. Sherrin detailing any history previous to 1840. L.H. Wallace wrote the second half covering the years from 1840 to 1845. H. Brett, the publisher, felt that a brief history after the founding of the first colony rounded out the account of the actual founding of British New Zealand, which is why the history continues after 1840.

The book begins with a recounting of the evidence for knowledge of New Zealand and the Māori before the more well-known journey of the Dutch sailor Abel Janszoon Tasman to the islands. It also includes illustrations of important officials, such as Captain Cook, and of Māori carvings like canoe mastheads and weapons.

VG. The spine is mildly torn on the top and the bottom. Bump edges to the hardcover, some inscriptions on the endpapers and the back of the title page. Plus minor foxing throughout.