Favourite Māori Legends

Favourite Māori Legends

A.W. Reed, revised by Ross Calman

Māori myths and legends have an important role in transmitting and regenerating traditional knowledge. Yet with the depletion of local publishing in New Zealand, fewer and fewer of these stories are made available to new generations.

Libro International is therefore proud to be bringing back into print a new edition of Favourite Māori Legends, a much-loved edition of legends published in 1965 by that great collector of stories and language, A.W. Reed.

Leading editor and writer Ross Calman has revised the legends for a modern readership, with updated use of te reo.

“I worked hard to preserve the flow of the original narratives, while modernising the stories and reinstating some of the Māori language from the original sources,” he said.

“These stories are all highly accessible and offer unique insights into traditional Māori society.”

The book preserves the timeless illustrations of artist Roger Hart, which bring key scenes from these ancestral stories to life.

Favourite Māori Legends groups 30 of the most memorable legends into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, and heroes and deeds of daring.

The authors: A.W. Reed (1908–1979) was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers, noted for his works on Māori language and mythology. Ross Calman (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Kāi Tahu) is a widely published author and editor, who lives in Wellington.

Libro International -  27 June 2013  | ISBN: 978-1-877514-56-2   | RRP $29.99