Rusden's first edition 1883 'History of New Zealand' in three volumes.. An important rare find!
Rusden's first edition 1883 'History of New Zealand' in three volumes.. An important rare find!
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These rare volumes were published by Chapman and Hall of London in 1883. This first edition set is infamous for sparking a major libel lawsuit. Only 500 were printed. The controversial work was highly critical of the Crown's policies toward Māori and, as a result of the court case, was suppressed and heavily revised in the 1895 second edition. This first edition set is complete without that censorship.
A major theme of Rusden's history is the negative effects of European settlement and government policies on Māori. He was deeply critical of the New Zealand government's actions, particularly its land policies, which he argued damaged Māori society and rights.
3 volumes. Vol 1. VG condition. 655pp, fldg map [North Island tribal boundaries], sound, interior spine splits, loose last page. Vol 2. VG. 606pp, 3 plans, 1 genealogy table, minor interior spine splits. Vol 3. VG. 540pp. appendix at end & publisher’s adverts.
Each volume 155x230mm, original green cloth hard cover, embossed with tuku tuku, some wear, with scuff marks but tidy overall. Pencil marginalia in parts.
A rare complete first edition set!
$415
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