Biography, autobiography and memoirs by and about New Zealanders. Politicians, entertainers, sportsmen and prominent people, as well as memoirs of lesser known but interesting Kiwis. Self-published family memoirs and useful regional history recollections.
All these fortunabooks.com prices are in New Zealand dollars, and there is a minimum order required of NZD$20 excluding postage.
High Country mustering and NZEF in Middle East.
Anderson was a farm hand on New Zealand high country runs in the North and South Island, mustering St Helens from 1905.
After work on the Makatoke railway viaduct, he put back his age by 15 years to enlist during WWII, and was sent to the Middle East, Crete, and Greece with 19th battalion.
After the war he purchased a Banks Peninsula farming property.
About 80 pages dealing with military life.
biography, twentieth century, new zealand,
VG- hardback in VG- dust jacket with some age wear.
$10 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. 1974 second edition, 238pp + plates.
[#1672/5086]
A memoir of time spent as the wife of the lighthouse keeper of Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
The island is most prominent as a nature reserve for tuatara and other endangered species.
ISBN9780908561872
coastal buildings, lighthouse, biography, Cook Strait, Takapourewa
VG- softback with mild crease to covers.
$20 C/B
Cape Catley Ltd. 2001 first edition, 228pp + plates.
[#3594/5046 ]
The sequel to Lighthouse Keeper's Wife.
Jeanette's and her family has moved to Dog Island in Foveaux Strait, even more remote than Stephens Island, where they stayed for three years.
ISBN 9781877340093
Southland, Lighthouse Keeper
VG softback
$20 C/B
Cape Catley Ltd. 2007 first edition, 228pp + photographs.
[#5047 ]
Warner won international fame for her juvenile teaching methods based on psychoanalytical theory, and her novels based on these experiences.
This is her account of teaching in an experimental parent-funded school in Aspen, Colorado, where she spent a year.
ISBN0304293962
education, teaching, theory, USA
VG hardback with VG dust jacket.
$15 C/C
Cassell 1974 first UK issue, 224pp.
[#4291 ]
A biographical memoir of the Reverend Edward Francis Barrar (1903-2004) by his son.
A very interesting family history, concerning the full stretch of the author's fathers life across a whole century.
The family moved about Canterbury and South Canterbury farming, as well as material on Adventist Church involvement.
This includes a lot of the history of his forebears and descendents.
James Thomas Barrar and Elizabeth Sarah Hill are the earliest ancestors mentioned.
Timaru, Fairlie, Avoca, Gebbies Pass, Seventh Day Baptist Church
VG+ softback
$45 C/C
Self-Published 2011 first edition, 280pp.
[#5152 ]
A biography of Peter Fraser, New Zealand's Scottish born WW2 Prime Minister.
Confirms the belief that Fraser was the country's greatest ever Prime Minister.
ISBN 9780140297935
wwii, labour party, politics,
VG softback
$30 C/C
Penguin 2000 first edition, 445pp + plates.
[#4821 ]
This biography of David Lange is written by his cousin, who was a senior cabinet minister in his Government, and gives the inside story of some of the most heady and turbulent times in New Zealand political history.
Bassett writes of the real David Lange, a hugely gifted but hugely flawed politician.
Based on diaries, private papers, and extensive interviews.
ISBN 9781869710941
new zealand political history, Fourth Labour Government, ANZUS, Mururoa tests, Oxford Union debate, Roger Douglas, Rogernomics, 1984 election
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
$30 C/D
Hodder Moa 2008 first edition, 648pp.
[#5149 ]
A Memoir in which Eric Beardsley gives a candid account of his life, chronicling the reporter's experiences from his childhood in 1920s and 1930s Christchurch, New Zealand, to his achievements as lead writer at the Press and information officer for the University of Canterbury.
A vivid portrait of a life well lived, of a province and its university, and of New Zealand over the last eight decades.
ISBN 9781927145005
autobiography, academia, christchurch, canterbury
VG softback
$35 C/B
Canterbury University Press, 2012 first edition, 211pp+ plates.
[#4615 ]
A biography and study of New Zealand's first Prime Minister, and the political climate of his times.
After being the Superintendent of Nelson, he later held the office of Prime Minister three times.
ISBN9780908790678
politics, colonial government, Te Kooti, Titokowaru, Vogel
VG+ softback
$25 C/C
Hazard Press 1994, 432pp.
[#3736 ]
VG hardback with some soiling to closed page edges in a VG- dust jacket with splits to corners $25 C/C HArperCollins 1998 first edition, 374 pages. ISBN1869502795 [#2550 new zealand history biography ]
The author ventured to the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada in 1874, and later came out to New Zealand where he became Master of the Pakuranga Hounds.
Contains much on The Hunt with amusing sketches by the author, who seems to have travelled widely in the early days of New Zealand colonial settlement.
horse and hound, hunt, Waikato Hunt Club, Hudson's Bay Canada
VG hardback with no jacket.
Red cloth gilt titled upper board and spine, the spine has been sunned to a bone colour.
Ink name to end paper.
$65 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1938 First Edition, 235pp +plates +adverts at rear.
[#4250 ]
Biographical studies of Henry Williams, Te Whiti and Johnny Jones.
VG hardback with title label to cover, faint soiling
$30 C/B
Caxton 1941 first edition, 143pp. [#2392]
Graeme Thompson left the security of his family farm in Central Otago and took actions that revolutionised the New Zealand meat industry through the dynamic company he founded, Fortex New Zealand Limited.
When the empire he had built came crashing down, he was thrown into jail.
Graeme s courage, resilience and unwavering support from family and friends saw him through that hard time and,after leaving prison, he established a new and exciting business.
The story takes us through Graeme s Scottish heritage, his childhood, boarding school and university days, marriage to his wife Barb, and the raising of their children.
ISBN9780473408459
new zealand, company, buiness, biography
VG softback
$25 B/C
Lismore Press 2017 first edition, 217pp.
[#4395 ]
The life and times of Truby King
A biography of the founder of the Karitane Homes and the Plunket Society for child welfare.
ISBN9780143018797
domestic hygiene, childcare, Seacliff, Sir Frederic Truby King
VG softback
$20 C/C
Penguin 2003, 284pp.
[#3977 ]
Autobiography of a light house keeper and the times the family had manning New Zealand light houses.
maritime, shipping, Tiritiri, Akaroa, East Cape, Nugget Point, Cape Palliser, Cape Saunders, Stephens Island, Waipapa Point, Pencarrow Head, Puysegur Point, Cape Egmont, Cape Reinga
VG- hardback with VG- dust jacket.
Book boards and dust jacket have some surface wear or soiling.
$20 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1964 reprint, 152pp.
[#5178 ]
Biography of Charles Luney, the founder of the prominent and successful construction company.
Many of the projects and civic buildings Luney built in Christchurch were destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes.
ISBN9781877270017
Charles Seymour Luney, construction, biography, christchurch
VG softback THIS COPY is signed by C S Luney 19/12/00
$30 C/B
Hazard Press 2000, 176pp + plates.
[# 3583/4036]
The Life Of Pat Cotter, Christchurch Surgeon and Tree Farmer.
More than just a biography of a remarkable man, this also has details of early New Zealand doctors and medical practce, Pat's own grandparents life as colonial settlers, the Otago Medical School and its lecturers in the 1940s, and the Christchurch surgical scene from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Includes photos of Pat s friends and colleagues, and the buildings where he worked.
In retirement he began growing trees in various locations for investment purposes, setting up a company.
ISBN 9780473371357
medicine, surgery, silviculture, Banks Peninsula, Charteris Bay, Pigeon Bay, Seskin Farm, Canterbury Medical Library
VG- softback, gift inscription to title page.
$25 C/B
The Cotter Medical History Trust 2016 first edition, 245pp.
[#5153 ]
The Life and Laughs of a New Zealand Driving Instructor.
ISBN 0473033496
Signed by Author.
VG+ as new softback, signed to half-title page.
$20 C/B
Cashmere Driving School, Christchurch 1995 first edition, 192pp with black and white and colour photos etc.
[#5727 ]
A biography of George Augustus Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand, Melanesia and Lichfield.
Anglican Church, Maori Wars, colonial, missionary
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
Top of blank fly leaf clipped.
$30 C/C
George Allen Unwin 1964 first edition, 298pp + plates and adverts.
[#5424 ]
From a Glasgow family Scotty was fostered out to a McLeod family in Dingwall before immigrating to the MacKenzie Country in New Zealand. He recounts his life and adventures including time as a musterer and rabbiter, and a spell with the army in Malaya.
ISBN09597564340X
VG softback, pen name to title page.
$20 C/B
Homecrafts , Tekapo, 1988, 116pp.
[#3112 ]
The story of the foremost New Zealand radio host of her time.
Maud Ruby Basham MBE (nee Taylor 1879-1963).
Aunt Daisy broadcast each morning to the women and housewives of NZ from 1930 to 1963.
Her half-hour morning show was to promote household products, and later boosted morale during WWII.
She also published seven cookbooks including "The Aunt Daisy Cookbook with Household Hints".
media, radio, broadcasting
VG hardback with Good dustjacket with edge wear, tears and chips.
Jacket has been taped on the reverse edge, complete but damaged.
Book is tidy, name to free end paper.
$20 C/B
Reed 1957 first edition, 131pp + plates.
[#4042 ]
A biographical study of the man who becamse New Zealand's 12th Prime Minister.
Hall was a run-holder, City Councillor, and the first town council Chairman in Christchurch.
An M.P. at various times for Christchurch, Heathcote, Selwyn and Ellesmere.
Hall was the Premier of New Zealand at the time of the conflict between settlers and Maori at Parihaka, and also moved the Parliamentary Bill that gave women the vote in 1893.
ISBN047303543X
Sir John Hall KCMG (1824-1907), politics, suffrage, Hororata
VG hardback in VG dust jacket, with author's signed gift inscription on title page.
$35 C/C
Dryden Press 1995, 362pp.
[#4312 ]
Memoir by a woman who, although affected by ill health and the loss of her legs, became the primary caregiver of her two blind and deaf sisters, and strove to lead a normal productive life.
new zealand, biography, adversity, amputee, Cashmere Sanatorium, christchurch
VG hardback in G dust jacket.
Jacket has sun fading and some edge tears.
$8 C/C
Robert Hale 1967, 176pp.
[#4678 ]
Based on his old work diaries, Manu gives a good account of the daily shenanigans of a power lineman's gang in the backblocks.
Manu was the foreman.
memoir, working class, power board, electricity, working men, linesmen
VG hardback in G+ dust jacket.
Jacket has handling soiling and wear to edges.
$25 C/B
Blackwood and Janet Paul Ltd. 1967 first edition, 169pp.
[#5225 ]
By the wife of the founder (officially at least) of Canterbury, from her time in Canterbury and Wellington, a primary source for early colonial New Zealand history.
VG hardback with G+ dust jacket with some chipping loss to edges and folds.
$65 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1951 first reissue, 387 pages plus plates. [#4128 ]
VG hardback with no dust jacket.
$45 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1951 first reissue, 387 pages plus plates. [#3589 ]
G+ hardback, rebound in book cloth with new endpapers, some pages with fold marks. No dust jacket.
$25 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1951 first reissue, 387 pages plus plates. [#2293 ]
G+ hardcover, the dust jacket has been cut into peices which have been used to grangerise the book, the title from the DW has been pasted down to the front paste down, and the blurbs from the flaps are pasted to the front and rear paste downs with some ink underlining to them, the date 12/12/52 has been written to the paste down twice, the cameo design of Charlotte from the DW has been pasted to the fep and the spine titling also, the person who did this also wrote their name and the name of the person they gave the book to around the edge of the cameo, there is a name and some writing to the top and bottom margins of the decorative border of the title page, and a name and address to the top of the dedication, a photocopied biographical reference is pasted to the verso of the dedication, the bank fly after the fep has four small holes to the edge where two staples were carefully removed, the rear fep has similar holes to top edge, apart from these noted 'additions' the book itself is clean and unmarked,
$25 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs 1951 first reissue, 387 pages plus plates. [#2794 ]
An autobiography of Dr Doris Gordon who was a general practitioner of medicine who played an important role in the establishment of an efficient maternity service for New Zealand.
She was successful in organizing a national campaign to endow a full-time Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Medical School in the University of Otago.
G hardback no dust jacket.
Sunned spine, school prize plate, a bit tired but a good reading copy.
$5 C/C
Faber 1955 second impression, 254pp + frontis
[#4856]
VG VG- light edge wear and short edge tears to DW, paper scar to fep.
$8 C/B [NZ 142]
Mallinson Rendell 1981 first edition hardcover, 158pp + plates. Autobiography of a famous actor and entertainer. ISBN 0908606087
A biography of one of the Mt Eden Clifton Firth's with much on the rest of the family.
Victorian, New Zealand, biography, women's history, colonial, Auckland, Josiah Clifton Firth
VG hardback in G+ dust jacket that is well rubbed at edges and with minor edge chipping.
$20 C/B
Pegasus Press 1973 first edition, 114pp + plates.
[#4057 ]
Biography of Frederick Aloysius Weld (1823-91) pioneer pastoralist in Wairarapa and Marlborough, and New Zealand Premier 1864-5.
ISBN0196480183
VG+ hardback in VG dust jacket
$25 C/C
Auckland University Press 1983 first edition hardcover, x 225pp photos in text. [#2340 + 2955 nz biography wairarapa ]
John Desmond Gregan had a career that included faming and land valuation and administration in both Canterbury and the West Coast.
He recounts his experiences at work and with his hobbies of drama, climbing and horse racing.
ISBN9416479000594
memoir, biography
VG softback, the spine is sun faded as usual.
Has a presentation inscription signed by Des.
$35 C/B
Des Gregan 1997, 192 pp.
[#4077 ]
Record of a year on the Chathams by the wife of the rostered GP. ISBN072330114X
G+ hardback in G+ dust jacket
$15 C/B
Whitcombe and Tombs 1970, 144pp + plates.[#2136/2800 ]
G+ hardback in VG dust jacket under plastic sleeve.
Tape rust to end papers and bled through to half title, inscription to fep
$15 C/B
Whitcombe and Tombs 1968 first edition, 144pp + plates.[#4560 ]
G+ hardback with no dust jacket
$9 C/B
Whitcombe and Tombs 1969, 144pp + plates.[#4561 ]
A biography of Michael Joseph Savage. Labour politician and first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand. Credited with establishing New Zealand's acclaimed Welfare System. A reassessment of his life and political legacy. ISBN0474001385
VG+ hardback in VG dust jacket with sun faded spine
$25 C/C
Reed Methuen 1986, 369 pp [#2749 new zealand politics, biography]
A New Zealander's dental practise before, during , and after the Second World War. Roy Hanan saw service with the New Zealand Dental Corps in Egypt and Italy during WWII, and was dental staff at Manapouri in 1926 and later in the 1960s at the Manapouri Hydro-electric scheme.
VG hardback in VG- dust jacket that is sun faded with minor edge wear. AUTHOR SIGNED title page.
$20 C/C
Privately Published 1977 first edition, 181pp + plates.
[#2939/4425 ]
VG hardback in VG- dust jacket that is lightly sun faded.
A label has been stuck to title page with a gift inscription over what was once the author's presentation signature, now obliterated
$15 C/C
Privately Published 1977 first edition, 181pp + plates.
[#1127 ]
The Memoirs of Gerald Hensley, a long-term New Zealand diplomat.
He was the head of the Prime Minister's Department under Muldoon and Lange, and was Secretary of Defence from1991 to 1999.
ISBN 9781869403789
politics, biography, David Lange, Robert Muldoon, civil service
VG softback
$30 C/C
Auckland University Press 2006 first edition, 320pp.
[#5161 ]
The memoirs of a New Zealand nurse in Britain, Europe and India, before and during the Second World War ( but there don't seem to be any specific dates mentioned)..
ww2, wwii, blitz, battle of britain, kiwi, nursing, Army nursing service, iraq, hertford british hospital paris
G softback in G pictorial wrappers chipped with loss, only the front wrap remains, inscription to inside cover, page 57-58 has a tear and the loss of a piece from the edge with some text missing.
$10 C/A
Whitcombe and Tombs (1944) (H758), 110pp + plates.
[#3791 ]
In 1906 Angelina Criscillo left Stromboli to travel to her fiancee Vincenzo Moleta in New Zealand.
Starting a new life on D'Urville Island in Cook Strait, Angelina found solace and friendship with a high-born Maori woman, Wetekia Ruruku Elkington, who lived nearby.
Angelina and Vincenzo finally left D'Urville Island in 1946, and both died within a few months of each other in Wellington in 1954.
The role the Moletas and Wetekia played in the history of D'Urville Island has been acknowledged by having features on the island named after them. Angelina is a remarkable story of the struggles and triumphs of pioneering immigrant life in New Zealand.
ISBN9781877333217
sicily, Angelina Margherita Moleta 1891-1954
VG softback, names to first page
$25 C/B
Craig Potton 2004, 227pp + plates.
[#4411 ]
Matagouri and Other Pricks will take you from Tibet to Antarctica; to Nepal with Sir Edmund Hillary; and to New York, Washington and the White House in the aftermath of 9/11. It includes the thrills and spills of a nursing profession; the excitment of launching a new career as a writer and publisher; the challenges of running a guiding business; and also the story of 'The Old Mountaineers' Cafe, Bar, Restaurant and Gallery' in Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park village. It recounts a battle with the Department of Conservation, yet it is also a love story, and an overview of the principles held by a New Zealand family, chief among them the refusal to give up, and how this and other factors helped to make the dream of 'The Old Mountaineers' finally come true.
ISBN9780473174668
biography, mountaineering, Mary Hobbs
VG+ softback
$35 B/D
Spirit Ltd 2010, 350pp.
[#3485/3975 ]
Lynley Hood's account of her researching the life of Sylvia Ashton-Warner, and writing the biography "Sylvia!".
VG softback
$15 C/C
John McIndoe 1984, 311 pages. ISBN0868681210 [#2595 new zealand biography ]
A biography of Lorna Monckton of Newstead and her pioneering family in Featherston and the Wairarapa.
ISBN 0723304165
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
$10 C/B
Whitcombe and Tombs 1975, 237pp + plates.
[#2720/3188/4656 ]
Collection of letters between Jones and others through the 1980s.
ISBN 1869530195
politics satire signed raconteur belles lettres
VG hardback with VG dust jacket. Name at head of title page.
$15 C/C
Bateman 1990 first edition hardcover, 200pp.
[#1688 ]
VG hardback with VG dust jacket. Signed 'Bob Jones' to title page.
$30 C/C
Bateman 1990 first edition hardcover, 200pp.
[#5176 ]
This collects actual letters written by Jones to various New Zealand identities and they are full of wit! ISBN000216566X
VG hardback in VG dust jacket
$15 B/C
Collins 1982, 200pp.[#2791 new zealand politics social commentary]
The highlights of visiting over 100 countries, recounted by this shrewd buiness man and raconteur.
ISBN 0723306451
VG hardback in VG- dust jacket with badly sun faded spine.
SIGNED by Bob Jones with an inscription to "Margaret and Clem".
$25 C/C
Whitcoulls 1980 first edition, 256pp.
[#5692 ]
A collection of Bob Jones' newspaper rants, from his syndicated column.
ISBN 0864641015
Dust jacket design by the political cartoonist Tom Scott.
VG hardback in VG dust jacket
Signed by Bob Jones.
$25 C/C
Inprint 1989 first edition, 207pp.
[#5693 ]
A biographical novel by the member of Parliament Norm Jones.
A fresh and entertaining autobiography by this former soldier and politician.
ISBN0959755489
Norman Philip Hastings Jones, southland biography, 23 battallion nzef, politics, biography
VG hardback in VG- dust jacket, signed to title page by Jonesy.
$15 C/C
Craig Printing 1981, 198pp.
[#4368 ]
Foreword by Margaret Pope, Introduction by Finlay MacDonald.
Autobiographical memoir by the Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989.
Lange championed a nuclear-free policy during the last days of the Cold War, negotiated with the French over the punishment of the Rainbow Warrior bombing agents, and struggled with his cabinet over economic policy.
ISBN 9780143020875
politics, biography, memoir
VG+ softback
$15 C/C
Penguin 2006, 316pp.
[#5170 ]
VG VG
$10 C/B [NZ 33]
Collins 1967 FIRST EDITION hardcover socialist politicians autobiography of troubled criminal youth. Lee was later an M.P.
An autobiography, family history and genealogy by Bob Lynn of Alford Forest, Ashburton. There is early Ashburton history, as well as that of his forbears from Britain, and his many relatives in New Zelaand. Bob was well known as an expert joiner and carpenter, and founder of a museum of joinery, the Lynn Woodwork Museum . It is sited on the grounds of the Tinwald Domain and is part of the historical Plains Vintage Railway and Historical Village. Bob's ancestors were the Davisons of Ahoghill, Ballymena, County Antrim. ( Olivia Davison nee Burnett born October 1815).
VG softback
$35 B/B
Undated and self publsihed, but about 1980. 142pp + index. Illustrated. [#2856 new zealand, south canterbury, biography, genealogy ]
The Rev. Donald Neil MacDiarmid (1886-1971) was a missionary with the Sudan United Mission 1902-1930 and a Presbyterian minister from 1931-1957.
This autobiography recalls his days as a merchant seaman, sailing on the Helen Denny, Margarita and Itata, and his missionary and religious career.
missionary, sailing, ships,
G+ softback
$30 C/A
D N MacDiarmid 1968, 188pp.
[#4144 ]
Memories from the author's life growing up in the General Store in Otautau in Southland.
Born at the end of the 19th century, she recounts her family and the wider community story in early New Zealand.
Takitimu, Orepuki, Ewen Matheson, flood
G+ hardback in VG- dust jacket with minor wear.
First blank page missing.
$20 C/B
Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. 1967 first edition, 164pp+ plates.
[#4058 ]
The autobiography of John Mackie.
He was Inspector of Mines in Malaya, and was interned by the Japanese in the Changi and Batu Lintang prison camps.
Post-war he taught Surveying at the University of Otago.
ISBN9582486643
WW2, Malaya, Singapore, POW, mining, surveying
VG softback
$55 B/D
Bateson Publishing Ltd. 2007 first edition, 444pp.
[#4062/4195 ]
A biography of a pioneering Wellington woman doctor including stints during the two World Wars.
VG hardback with VG- dust jacket rubbed to joints and with splits at head and tail of spine.
$15 C/C
Michael Joseph/ Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. 1960 first edition, xv 189pp + plates.
[#4681 ]
Autobiographical tales of a Kiwi vet on the West Coast and Christchurch.
ISBN0908704690
veterinary, animals, farming, pets
VG softback with owner details inside front cover
$10 C/B
Shoal Bay Press 1997, 194 pages. [#2535]
Autobiography of Huia Mase, the actress, Labourite and antique dealer, latterly resident of Waiheke Island.
The daughter of Charles Bloomfield, she was in the W.A.A.F. in the U.K. during WWII.
After a theatrical career she returned to New Zealand in 1964, opening an antique shop.
performing arts, theatre
VG hardback in VG- dust jacket with light wear or chipping
$15 C/C
Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. 1971 first edition, 174pp.
[#4523 ]
Warwick's forebears came to New Zealand from Drumartin, County Caven, Ireland. Born in 1920 Warwick Leslie McFadden was a commercial market gardener. He served with the Third Division Signals in the Pacific Islands during the Second World War. This is his account of his career and family.
ISBN9780473138318
VG- softback, has been contact sealed and with hinges strengthened by library. Issue labels and stamps, otherwise tidy.
$20 B/C
Warwick McFadden 2008, 129 pp.
[#3317 ]
Memoir of Sir Roy McKenzie, who inherited the McKenzies department stores and used his wealth to set up a charitable foundation.
Details his service in Bomber Command in WWII and involvement in alpine sports, skiing and mountaineering and trekking, at home and abroad.
ISBN9780958204606
McKenzies store, Matterhorn, ww2, Winter Olympics Oslo 1952, Outward Bound
VG softback
$25 B/C
Te Aro Press, 1998. 279 pp
[#2948/3781/4037 ]
The Private Life of Donald McLean.
A biography of this hard-tempered Scot whose policies shaped New Zealand's colonial-age race relations, and gave rise to grievances that echo into the twenty-first century.
A government official who used his position to get land for his personal ventures, provoking war between Maori along the way.
He may even have used his power as Minister of Defence to order the shooting of his own illegitimate son; the right-hand man of Te Kooti.
McLean's role as the powerhouse behind some of the dodgiest land controversies of settler-era New Zealand is well known.
Here Wright delves into the private Donald McLean, a man dogged by his upbringing, wrestling with his insecurities, a devout and fearful man who felt himself inadequate before God and who never recovered from the loss of his young wife.
ISBN 9780143572213
New Zealand, politics, colonial, history
VG softback
$25 C/C
Penguin 2015 first edition, 256pp.
[#5583 ]
New Zealanders in exile in the time of Hitler and Mao Tse-Tung. Based on letters, diaries and interviews this is the story of a group of Rhodes scholars, five young men from New Zealand; James Bertram, Geoffrey Cox, Dan Davin, Ian Milner, John Mulgan, caught up in the turmoil of their times: Spain, Hitler's Germany, Greece and North Africa, Eastern Europe, China.
ISBN9781869415648
VG softback
$45 B/C
Vintage 2003, 480pp.
[#3455/3417 ]
G+ softback that has been contact sealed, there is tape along the spine edge of the title page, and a pen name at the top.
Good reference copy.
$25 B/C
Vintage 2003, 480pp.
[#4164 ]
General Freyberg's favourite Intelligence officer who held pre-war Communist views, was long rumoured to be a spy for the Soviets.
Philip Knightley's preface concludes; "This long overdue biography sets the record straight. It convincingly shows that the slim evidence for the traitor charge was invented, exaggerated and misinterpreted."
ISBN9781869418915
new zealand, biography, diplomacy, espionage, communism, cold war
VG softback
$20 C/C
Vintage 2007 first edition, 414 pp + photos.
[#4337 ]
Autobiography of Bob Mills, a musterer, shepherd and dog-trialer in the New Zealand high country.
biography, high country, sheep dogs
VG hardback in G- dust jacket which is worn with tears and light stains.
$15 C/B
Reed 1966 first edition, 215pp. [#2375 ]
The Life of Count Geoffrey Potocki de Montalk.
Poet, polemicist, pagan and pretender to the throne of Poland, one of the great eccentrics of the 20th century.
Gaining acknowledgment in the 1930s, his career took a strange turn when he was imprisoned for obscene libel after a celebrated trial in London, then became increasingly eccentric.
He hand-printed and published a stream of poetry and pamphlets from his home in the South of France; before returning to NZ for a period in the 1980s and 90s.
ISBN9780864734143
literature, biography, poet, eccentricity, eccentric, new zealand ex-pat
VG softback
$30 C/C
Victoria University Press
[#4404 ]
Autobiography of one of New Zealand's most important post-war Prime Ministers.
ISBN0589008731
political memoir, national, rob muldoon,
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
Signed by Muldoon on half-title page.
$20 C/C
Reed 1974 first edition hardcover, 203pp + plates.
[#3941 ]
VG hardback in VG dust jacket with light wear.
Signed by Muldoon.
$15 C/C
Reed 1974 reprint hardcover, xii 203pp + plates.
[#1677 ]
VG+ VG+
$10 C/C [NZ 135]
Reed Methuen 1986 first edition hardcover, 207pp + plates. A near fine copy of the former Prime Minister's fourth autobiography. New Zealand politics. ISBN 0474002209
VG+ VG+
$10 C/C [NZ 136]
Reed 1981 first edition hardcover, 169pp + 4pp index + plates. A near fine copy of the former Prime Minister's third autobiography. New Zealand politics. ISBN 0589013858
VG+ VG small edge tears mainly at spine ends.
$10 C/C [NZ 137]
Reed 1977 first edition hardcover, x 224pp + plates. A tidy copy of the former Prime Minister's first autobiography. New Zealand politics. ISBN 0589010875
French-born Suzanne Aubert arrived in New Zealand in the 1860s and set up the Sisters of Compassion at Jerusalem on the Whanganui River in 1892.
She also published a key Maori text, broke in a hill farm, manufactured medicines and supported families through the Depression.
ISBN1869401557
Pakipaki, Hiruharama, Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion
VG softback
$25 C/C
Auckland University Press 1996, first edition, 464 pp.
[#2215 ]
Memoir by this important Jesuit trained Catholic thinker, who received theological and philosophical training in Germany and Europe before returning to New Zealand and Australia.
O'Brien made a considerable contribution, especially in journals and book reviews, to the Catholic church in New Zealand.
In his later years O'Brien taught at Holy Name Seminary and the Holy Cross Seminary in Mosgiel.
catholic, christian, philosophy, jesuit, society of jesus, theology
VG hardback in VG dust jacket with light wear.
$15 C/B
Pegasus Press 1970 first edition, 104pp + plates.
[#1676 ]
The life of Frances Ogilvie, a Presbyterian missionary who spent over 40 years in China and during WWII was in the Stanley Internment camp in Hong Kong as a captive of the Japanese.
ISBN0908704291
VG hardback in VG dust jacket
$25 B/C
Shoal Bay Press 1994 first edition, 108pp[#1794 new zealand, biography ]
The author has written an account based on the experiences of the many dispossed Poles who made it to New Zealand after being expelled by the Soviets. Krystyna is one of 732 'Polish children' who survived forced deportation to the Soviet Union and was given a home in New Zealand in 1944. Her remarkable story, a composite portrait drawn from interviews with Polish survivors, begins in a peaceful Polish village and follows her family's harrowing journey to a labor camp in Siberia, the terrible flight to freedom, and Krystyna's lonely voyage to a safe refuge in New Zealand
ISBN0908704852
VG softback, some pencil notes inside rear cover
$10 C/B
Shoal Bay Press 1998, 156pp.
[#3382 ]
An extensively illustrated biography of an important participant in New Zealand education and teaching, with connections to Waitaki Girls High School, Otago Girls High School, Otago Boys High School and Dunedin Teachers College.
In 1977 Dame Purves was elected the World President of the International Federation of University Women.
ISBN 9781877161506
Otago, Dunedin, IFUW, women in education
VG+ softback
$15 B/B
Hazard Press 1998 First Edition, 167pp.
[#5609 ]
Memoir/ biography. Raised in China by Missionary parents. Eucated at Cambridge to teach. With her husband she was in Czechoslovakia during the Nazi Occupation and for eight months helped to smuggle Jews out before fleeing and settling in New Zealand.
ISBN0195580443
VG hardback in VG- sun faded dust jacket.
$20 C/C
Oxford University Press1979, 215pp.
[#3381]
Upon Rutherford's death his widow presented his various medallic awards to the Canterbury University College (New Zealand).
Awarded for his scientific genius, the collection represents the height of numismatic design in the period, with awards in bronze, silver, and gold.
Includes a catalogue of the medals, and photographs.
ISBN0908812892
science, physics, nobel prize, new zealand, biography
FINE softback
$25 B/B
Canterbury University Press 1999, 88 pages. [#2446/3629 ]
Very Good softback with minor sun-fade to spine
$25 B/B
Canterbury University Press 1999, 88 pages. [#2486 ]
After arriving in New Zealand in 1851, Seager first served in the police force and prison service.
He became the first Steward of Sunnyside Asylum, and played a prominent role in mental health care.
ISBN0908708076
mental health, biography, canterbury
VG+ hardback in VG+ dust jacket
$25 C/C
Heritage Press 1987, 299pp.
[#3741 ]
"Maisie" Shepherd was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1893.
She arrived in New Zealand in 1921, and undertook midwifery and general nurse training in Christchurch.
She recounts her life in Plunket nursing, experiences during World War II, a return to Ireland, and work among the elderly.
ISBN0908629257
biography, nurse, women, registered nurse, nzrn, N.Z.R.N., Drumnacanvey
VG softback
$15 C/B
Craig Printing Co. 1989, 184pp.
[#3936 ]
A biography, focusing on Reeves political career, based in part on his unpublished memoirs.
Reeves became the principal intellectual ideologist of the Liberal party, elected to government in 1890.
He used his ministerial portfolios for education and justice, to enact sweeping labour reforms, becoming the first minister of labour in the British Empire.
These labour reforms formed the New Zealand society of today.
Reeves moved to London in 1896 and associated with Fabians such as George Bernard Shaw.
new zealand politics, socialism, unionism, biography, history
VG hardback in VG dust jacket with minor wear.
$30 C/C
Clarendon Press 1965 first edition, x 356pp + plates.
[#4318 ]
Biography of an important New Zealand Prime Minister and the legacy of his party and Government.
ISBN0196479495
new zealand politics, labour party, twentieth century
VG hardback in VG dust jacket
$20 C/C
Auckland University Press 1976 first edition, xi 439pp + plates
[NZ80 ]
The Life of Gwendolen Lucy Somerset (nee Alley). Born in Springfield, North Canterbury in 1894. Autobiography and reminiscences of growing up in Springfield by the sister of Rewi Alley.
ISBN0908609132
VG+ hardback without dust jacket
$35 C/C
N Z Playcentre Federation 1988 first edition pictorial hardcover, 211pp, illustrated. [#1922 new zealand biography]
SCARCE biography of an early Canterbury settler and lawyer / judge.
Sailed from England in the Derwentwater in July 1861, arriving in Otago at the height of the gold rush.
He went to Christchurch and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar, entering into partnership in May 1862 with T. S. Duncan.
Williams joined the Provincial Government as member for Heathcote and in the following year became provincial solicitor.
A year later he resigned, returning to England to marry Caroline Helen, daughter of Thomas Sanctuary, of Horsham, Sussex.
Returning to New Zealand in 1865 he was returned to the Provincial Government for his old constituency of Heathcote.
After the provincial dissolution of 1870, he became District Land Registrar for Canterbury and then Registrar-General of Lands.
He was a Supreme Court Judge in Otago for 39 years.
VG sewn in printed paper wrappers.
$65 B/A
Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. 1945 first edition, 112pp+frontis.
[#5014 ]
An epic bicycle ride around the WHOLE world on a bicycle between 1949-1956, Lousie later followed up in 1983 with "The Impossible Ride, the Story of the First Bicycle Ride Across the Amazon Jungle". In this first book she was travelling by cycle, but also spending time working as a nurse as her funds were restricted. Good travelogue through war-torn Europe and Middle East, also the American continents and Asia.
The half title has a presentation decication to Mr & Mrs Stevens, signed and Dated 1963 in Dunedin. Hand set and printed by the author, has illustrations by Pat Andrew.
VG hardback in VG dust jacket with a few tiny edge tears. Name blacked out to free end paper.
$55 C/B
Southern Cross Press Ltd London 1960, first edition in the fourth impression, (vi) 128pp + plates, map end papers
[#1846 ]
A New Zealand nurse cycles across the Brazilian Amazon in her early fifties, she has also cycled extensively through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and Iceland.
ISBN047301002X
Louise Sutherland, adventure, bicycling, travel, memoir
VG softback, signed 'With best wishes Lousie Sutherland QSM Oct. 1994'.
Newspaper obituary taped to inside of front cover.
$25 C/B
The Southern Cross Press 1992 reprint, 120pp includes some colour photographs.
[#3654 ]
VG softback, signed 'With best wishes...' by Lousie Sutherland.
$25 C/B
The Southern Cross Press 1992 reprint, 120pp includes some colour photographs.
[#3665, 3955 ]
Temple emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand in 1925.
This autobiography follows his life about New Zealand including High Country life and his interest in angling and sport fishing.
ISBN0340342870
Newton McConochie, Buller, Marlborough
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
Gift inscription to dedication page.
Has a typed bookplate from Temple with a personal message to Margaret Lindsay and his signature
$20 C/C
Hodder 1983 first edition, 336pp + plates.
[#4407 ]
Autobiography of a resident of Geraldine who started off in Yorkshire, served in the Far East (Hong Kong) and India, as well as with the NZ forces during WWII.
biography, british military history, Kashmir, Indian mountain artillery, chamba, Jutogh, raincliffe
VG- hardback in VG- dust jacket with light wear and dust soiling.
Name to first page, review clipping pasted in at rear.
$20 C/B
John McIndoe 1976 first editon,176pp + plates.
[#4056 ]
Memoirs of a leading children's author who writes engagingly about life as a writer, teacher and solo father.
William Taylor taught for many years in the Central and the Lower North Island, where he was Principal of Ohakune School and the town's Mayor.
ISBN 9781869508371
autobiography, memoir, new zealand writing,
VG softback.
$25 C/C
HarperCollins 2010 Uncorrected Proof of the first edition, 322pp.
[#5516 ]
Ann Monroe Gilchrist (1875-1957) was born in the USA. A period teaching delinquent children caused her to specialise in home science, because she wanted to prevent delinquency rather than cure it. In 1899 she was one of the founders of the American Home Economics Association. Strong came to the University of Otago, whose School of Home Science opened in 1911, taking up her appointment as Professor of Household Arts in 1921. Strong had had a concern for the health and education of children. At the School of Home Science she ran a nutrition clinic for Dunedin children and their mothers. She also helped to organise the first children's health camp in the South Island. Maori health and education concerned her too. She advised the government on ways to improve these after personally investigating the situation among Maori in Northland.
VG hardback in G+ dust jacket
$20 C/C
Pegasus Press 1963 first edition, 196pp.
[#3190, 4292 ]
The story of Rex A. Weber's company Sheep & Wool reflects on his personal and business story as a breeder and developer of quality wool, member of the Wool Board etc. Covers most breeds of sheep, and all aspects of the wool trade from the sheep's back to the finished products.
ISBN0908561997
VG softback in VG dust jacket. Minor pen notes to inside rear cover. Name at front.
$20 C/B
Cape Catley 1992, 166pp.
[#3324 ]
VG softback in VG dust jacket.
$20 C/B
Cape Catley 1992, 166pp.
[#3599]
The autobiography of Christine Williams, born in Pahikikura New Zealand in 1910.
She was a nurse by profession and served overseas during WWII.
Covers her life up to 1944 when she returned to New Zealand.
ISBN 047303686X
Hunterville, Los Angeles, Granddaughter of Tom and Eliza Shere, Middlesex Hospital Colwell House, Massachusetts General Hospital
VG hardback with no jacket as issued.
Presentation inscription from author on free end paper.
$45 C/B
Christine Williams, Amberley 1996 first edition, 272pp.
[#5712 ]
VG+ VG+
$30 C/C [NZ 138]
Govt Printer 1985 first edition hardcover, xii 263+ plates. Biography of early colonial missionary. ISBN 0477012647
A biography of the first New Zealand born Governor-General, and a man of great achievements.
Soldier, surgeon, athlete, scholar and politician, Porritt was president of both the Royal College of Surgeons and the British Medical Associaion, a member of the International Olympic Committee and a member of the House of Lords.
He also served as the Surgeon to the Royal Family form 1936-1967.
Based on his unpublished memoirs.
ISBN9780958283953
VG hardback in VG dust jacket.
$25 B/D
Trio Books 2009, 318pp.
[#3841, 4319 ]
A fully detailed autobiographical memoir of Morrie, mainly relating to his life and extended family in Christchurch.
Some of his yarns are bloody funny too.
Black and white and colour photos throughout.
local history, family history, genealogy, canterbury, memoirs
VG+ softback with signed presentation inscription from Morrie dated 2013
$35 B/C
Morrie Woodham Christchurch 2013(?) first edition, 246pp.
[#5097 ]
A biography of the son of the early missionary Henry Williams. Samuel worked for Maori interests, founded Te Aute College and was a sponsor of the Young Maori Party.
VG hardback in VG dustjacket with lightly sunned spine.
Author has penned a presentation inscription and signed facing the title page.
$45 C/C
Pegasus Press 1981 first edition hard cover, 294pp + plates. [#3719 ]
VG hardback in VG dustjacket with lightly sunned spine
$30 C/C
Pegasus Press 1981 first edition hard cover, 294pp + plates. [#645 ]
VG hardback with no dustjacket, top corner area of fep trimmed,
$20 C/C
Pegasus Press 1981 first edition hard cover, 294pp + plates. [#646 ]