Outcast
Outcast
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A soldier and a bigamist, a family man and a fraudster,
Etienne Jean Brocher led an extraordinary life in 19-century France, North Africa and New Zealand.
Along the way he collected aliases, prison sentences,
and enemies as he slipped from town to town, escaping
debts and family duties. Ultimately, though, he faced the gallows in a double-murder trial that rocked New Zealand’s ‘dream society’.
Now his astonishing story – untold in book form – is revealed. Drawing on French military archives, family records, and newspaper reports from across colonial New Zealand, as well as Brocher’s own handwritten account, this absorbing biography untangles the complex trails Brocher left behind him in colonial towns and in the public imagination.
While he explores the complexities of Brocher’s character
– including his shortcomings – Brian Stoddart
lays bare the class prejudice and xenophobia that
Brocher faced as an immigrant of ‘the wrong sort’
and raises serious questions over whether he received
a fair trial. Dynamic and often surprising in its humour,
this stunning biography makes a vital contribution
to our understanding of how colonial New
Zealand shaped its ideal society and what could happen
when ‘outsiders’ didn’t fit the mould.
Publisher -- Quentin Wilson Publishing
Format -- Paperback
Condition Guide
Condition Guide
Every item we offer has a story, and its condition is an important part of that tale. Our Condition Guide provides clear descriptions of the state of each book or artifact, so you know exactly what to expect before making a purchase.
We encourage you to take a moment to review the guide and consider the condition carefully when making your decision. If you'd like to experience these treasures firsthand, you're warmly invited to visit us at our Mt Eden store—we’d love to meet you and help you explore our collection in person.
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Shipping and Returns
Shipping and Returns
Standard shipping:
Orders are processed within one working day of the order being placed. Once processed, our standard delivery times are between 3-5 working days (within the Auckland region). Rural deliveries may take an additional 1–2 days.
Standard shipping rates start from $7.50. For bulky/heavy/fragile items, or international delivery, additional shipping costs may apply. If you're unsure, email placeholder for a quote. Otherwise, an estimate will be emailed to you when your order is processed.
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