The Story of New Zealand 2 Volume Set
Past and Present, Savage and Civilized

Thomson's two-volume account published in 1859, deals with both the Maori and the effects of discovery and settlement by Europeans.

Arthur S. Thomson (Author)

9781108039550, Cambridge University Press

Multiple-component retail product, published 24 November 2011

770 pages, 18 b/w illus. 2 maps
21.7 x 14 x 4.3 cm, 1 kg

Arthur S. Thomson (1816–60) was a Scottish military surgeon and medical scientist who was posted to New Zealand in the late 1840s. During his eleven years in the country, settlement increased and British sovereignty over the colony was extended. Thomson felt that previous historical accounts of New Zealand all demonstrated a certain political, colonial or religious bias, and decided to write his own comprehensive history of the islands, which was published in 1859. Volume 1 deals with the physical geography and history of the islands, the culture and way of life of the Maoris, New Zealand's discovery by Europeans, and the introduction of Christianity. Volume 2 justifies the progress of British colonisation by arguing that it brings the benefits of 'civilisation' to the native people.

Volume 1: Preface
Part I. The Country and its Native Inhabitants: 1. Geography and natural history
2. Climate
3. Migration of the Aborigines to New Zealand
4. Physical form, disfigurations, language, mental faculties and characters of New Zealanders
5. Divisions among the people. Property. Laws
6. Mythology and superstitions
7. Customs in war. Cannibalism. Slavery
8. Food and husbandry
9. Literature
10. Domestic ceremonies and familiar usages
11. The diseases of the New Zealanders. Their causes and prevention
Part II. History of the Discovery of New Zealand by Europeans: 1. From discovery of New Zealand until 1810
2. New Zealand from 1810 to 1838
3. Pioneers of civilisation
4. Introduction of Christianity. Volume 2: Part II continued. History of the Discovery of New Zealand by Europeans: 5. Commencement of colonisation, 1839 to 1842
6. New Zealand in 1842
7. Mr. Shortland's rule, September 1842 to October 1843
8. Governor Fitzroy's rule, December 1843 to November 1845
9. Governor Grey's rule, November 1845 to December 1853
10. Colonel Wynward's rule, January 1854 to September 1855
11. Governor Browne's rule, October 1855 to June 1859
Part III. On the Decrease of the New Zealanders: 1. Are the New Zealanders decreasing in numbers?
2. Progress of civilisation among the New Zealanders, and means requisite to promote it
3. Hints to emigrants
Appendix
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]