History of New Zealand. In Three Volumes.( Ltd. Edition of 500 Copies)

RUSDEN G. W.

Chapman & Hall- 1883- Set (3)- First Editions- Hardcovers. Gilt spine titles, Patterned boards.Three volumes thick octavo,3 plans and genealogical table ; largely unopened in the original cloth. First edition, of 500 copies, some of which were withdrawn and reissued with a libellous passage replaced with asterisks.

NB These are true 1st. Editions without the contentious passages removed. A very good set of the first issue. Little bumped as shown, odd scratch. Page edges slightly age toned but interiors are surprisingly clean and bright. Nice set, rare in any condition .Volume 1- 656pp. Volume 2- 602pp and Volume 3- 540pp (Incl. Index) plus 32pp of publishers list NB Only real blemish is the fact the map at front of Volume 1 is mostly all amiss

George W. Rusden (1819–1903) spent most of his life in Australia, where he served in local government. On retirement in 1881 he wrote histories of Australia and New Zealand. Both books were highly critical of the Crown's policies toward indigenous peoples.

In his History of New Zealand (1883) Rusden accused John Bryce - at that time Native Minister - of killing women and children in an incident at Handley’s woolshed during the Taranaki war. Bryce sued Rusden for libel, and the case was heard in the High Court in London. The verdict went against Rusden. His book was suppressed and Bryce was awarded £5,000 in damages, a vast sum at that time. Bryce, who felt vindicated by the judgment, accepted a lesser sum to cover his costs.......'

S=R

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