This is an auction for THE MACKENZIE AFFAIR by James McNeish.

“In his new book James McNeish explodes one of our cherished myths: that all men are equal before the law. In 1855 James Mackenzie, an illiterate Scots drover, was accused of theft in southern New Zealand. He had incidentally explored the Mackenzie Country but this discovery was overlooked. Mackenzie was farcically tried, imprisoned and driven to near-madness in the Dirt and Darkness Club, as his Canterbury gaol was known. Since then his case has been suppressed (by writers), ignored (by legal historians), or magnified beyond bounds (by legend-makers and schoolteachers). James McNeish shows beyond reasonable doubt that Mackenzie’s trial was a glaring miscarriage of justice. Had McNeish done nothing more than reveal the events surrounding Mackenzie trial, his book would have been compelling. But the author goes further. He has travelled to three lands to collect evidence. The story grips the reader at all levels and ends with an account of 19th century New Zealand prisons which can only be called terrifying. A question arises. In 1855 public opinion said Mackenzie deserved to be hanged. Now the same man is a folk figure. Is it not then time that our popular history was rewritten?”

More very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Hardback 1972.

266 pages.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.