Bible Treaty,
by Keith Newman, Penguin, $50
Contested Ground: Te Whenua I Tohea, The Taranaki Wars 1860-1881,
edited by Kelvin Day, $55
Two recently released books offer some fascinating insights into key events of 19th-century New Zealand.
In Bible Treaty, award-winning journalist Keith Newman brings a fresh perspective to the missionary story, from
the lead up to Marsden's first sermon on New Zealand soil to the drama surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi and the disillusionment leading to the land wars of the 1860s.
In Contested Ground, which marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Taranaki Wars, editor Kelvin Day brings together work from 11 academics and historians that provide engaging insights into this turbulent period.
As we are aware, the missionaries came to New Zealand to spread Christianity through a land that many Europeans regarded as untamed, uncivilised and ripe for exploitation - including a massive and cynical land-grab.
As well as their pastoral duties, the missionaries brokered peace between warring tribes, promoted literacy, explored much of the country and, for the most part, tried to obtain fair deals for Maori.
In Bible Treaty Newman charts the progress of the missionaries, bringing to life the difficulties, frustrations and successes of the day.
He tells a lively story and at the same time injects much useful information into his narrative. The endnotes and bibliography are extensive.
Contested Ground is a significant book that delves into the Taranaki land wars that lasted 21 years, with some intervals of peace.
Editor Kelvin Day has assembled a strong team of experts that refreshes the events of that turbulent time. The story starts with the desire to "amalgamate" Maori interests with those of the Crown and ends with an honest, disturbing, summary of the aftermath of the warring years.
Day manages the heritage collections at the New Plymouth museum Puke Ariki. His writers pull no punches, detailing European and Maori actions in equal detail. The reader can be left to balance the text and interpret the events.
Contest Ground is beautifully illustrated throughout. The text and illustrations combine to create a fascinating read.
