Customer Reviews

History of New Zealand and Its Inhabitants

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It might seem a bit weird to review a book by a Catholic missionary by calling it irreverent, but this author does not hesitate to frankly address areas that many others have ignored or glossed over. He is openly a champion of the Maori people and his recounting of history does not hesitate to criticize the colonising forces that exploited them in the early to mid-19th century. The biggest drawback to the book is where it is obvious that he is a product of the continuing hatred between the Roman Catholic and Anglican (and other Protestant) churches and often digresses about how terrible the Protestants are. These parts, however, are easily identifiable and can be considered in that context. Beyond those parts, Vaggioli has done a very detailed research and documentation of the settlement of New Zealand and many of the doings that went on to bring about "civilisation." Many historians seem to gloss over this book, but it should be considered seriously. It presents many facts that might otherwise be lost to us, documented by other contemporaneous sources. This edition, a recent translation from the Italian, is a must for anyone wishing to go beyond "the party line."