PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE - A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND

“New Zealand in the year 1200 was a land of trees and birds – and no people. The two main islands were covered nearly entirely in deep, dark, cool forest. New Zealand was entirely unknown to any people anywhere in the world.”

So begins Stevan Eldred-Grigg’s history of New Zealand – a lively and entertaining story of discovery, settlement, work, play, money, power and people. 

Covering our history from New Zealand’s early discovery by Polynesians, through Maori and then European settlement, right through to colonial and then modern times, People People People is a short and lively snapshot of our country’s history. Perfect for tourists or anyone new to the country, it is also ideal for anyone interested in an entertaining overview of our past.

About the author: 

Stevan Eldred-Grigg is one of New Zealand’s leading writers of both history and fiction. Born on the back seat of a speeding taxi, he grew up in a tumultuous household in suburban Christchurch. His mother, a stroppy working-class woman, had the gift of the gab. His father, careful and precise, came from a conservative ‘old family’. The varying opinions in the family led to a questioning of life, history and society. His acclaimed historical works include Diggers, Hatters and Whores and The Great Wrong War and he is also the author of several novels. Stevan teaches history to international students at Victoria University.

www.eldred-grigg.com

Pictures above from the book, top to bottom:

Page 33 Alexander Turnbull Library - W.H.Speer - New Zealand Digger

page 58 Hocken Collections - Evelyn Page - New Year Holiday

page 59 Museum of New Zealand - Russell Clark - Saturday Night

Publisher - David Bateman - $24.99