Monday, September 01, 2014

Major, new biography of Richard Seddon


Richard Seddon was New Zealand’s longest-serving Prime Minister and regarded as a formidable and colourful leader. 

The Hon. David Cunliffe, Seddon's great great-nephewwill join others to officially launch Professor Tom Brooking’s biography Richard Seddon: King of God’s Own, published by Penguin Group NZ, and preside over a significant and memorable event to be held at Hokitika's Regent Theatre on Saturday, September 6, at 5.30pm. 
The event will be attended by some of Seddon’s direct descendants; the oldest present will help cut the launch ribbon at the opening ceremony. Mike Havill, Mayor of Westland District, will also address the event, which has been organised by Bruce Watson, co-owner of Take Note Hokitika and the Theatre Society's President.

The evening of entertainment will also feature an illustrated account by Tom Brooking about how he came to research and write Richard Seddon: King of God’s Own; a large slide screen show of historic photographs from the Hokitika Museum Collection; oral history recordings; music; and a book signing. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine or beer and light refreshments; these can be purchased online at www.hokitikaregent.com or direct at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre. Doors open at 5pm for drinks and book purchases; a cash bar will operate before and after the launch. 

Tom Brooking’s biography was instigated by the late Michael King and sets a new benchmark in New Zealand history writing. Paul Moon, author of New Zealand in the Twentieth Century, described it as “the definitive biography of one of New Zealand’s most influential political leaders".

About the author:
Professor Tom Brooking holds a personal chair in history at the University of Otago, where he has taught courses in New Zealand, Australian and British history, as well as political biography, since 1978. He specialises in environmental and political history, and the connections between Scotland and New Zealand.

Penguin Books - Hardcover - $65.00

No comments: