Author(s): David McCarthy

Christchurch City & Banks Peninsula

This impressive book of 458 glossy pages and weighing over 2 Kg does worthy justice to the hundred years (1911 - 2011) of history of this Catholic secondary school for boys. It is the work of former pupil and journalist David McCarthy, drawing on a vast array of narrative and anecdotes backed by careful research into its Marist origins. It was originally planned for the May 2011 Jubilee, but this celebration was postponed by the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011.This event is now part of the history of the College, and is included in the final pages of the book The structure is simple and easily navigated. Each chapter contains a decade of College life, including keynote articles on high-points, personal profiles of prominent pupils, old boys and staff and finishing with several pages of Snapshots- a short digest of prizewinners, scholars and sportsmen and key fixture results. The pages are rich in anecdote and humour, and the language captures the tone of each era. It does not read like a formal record but more like a family saga with an amazing range of character and talent. There are hundreds of photographs, mainly b&w, giving a good idea of the life of the college. There is even a picture of the Mothers and Sons event on Sports Day 1937. This book is a must for anyone interested in the informal history and spirit of the College.

Second hand. Binding in middle section is loose.

Second hand. Binding in middle section is loose.