His brother, James, wrote 'Revolution by Night'. Do not go past this book if you want to learn about Aboriginal Art; a book compiled by a bloke who loves the Aboriginal people.

The concluding volume of distinguished New Zealand historian James Belich's general history of New Zealand is an engaging, tightly bound look at the 20th century. It certainly lives up to the expectations generated by the first academic history of the country by a single author since Keith Sinclair's work of the 1960s.
Belich writes with an engaging style, mixing humour and deft usage of example with the broad brushstroke of well formed arguments. Dividing the period into three large bites (1880s-1920s, 1920s to 1960s and 1960s to today), the first part of each 'bite' provides a chronological mix of primarily political and economic analysis. This useful framework informs the less-chronologically restricted second part of the section, dealing with social history. The format works very well, allowing a logical structure where the histories of government, popular culture, racial issues, economics and social structure sit neatly together without jumping back and forth as in a conventional narrative.
Of particular delight for me are the 'revisionist' reexaminations of a number of events, emphasising and casting them in a new light. Examples include the 1913 labour crisis and a very good look at the 'Protein' industry which places it in its political, economic and social context superbly.
The two core arguments are those of Recolonialism and The Great Tightening, tying our history to our relationship with Britain, and the populist quest for conformity and harmony. The points are both deftly argued, with every theme being tied to them, usually quite convincingly. As with any argument seeking to provide coherance, however, at times there is a danger that other causes and effects can be understated and ignored. One instance of this was in dealing with the dour 'safeness' of the early postwar era. Belich quotes Jame Mander; [New Zealand was] "afflicted with the 'awful disease' of puritanism and conformism - 'barren wastes of Victorian philistinasm', 'brain-numbing, stimulus-stifling, soul-searing silence'". Although this is convincingly linked with the concept of 'tightening', another important factor, that of the search for security and safety in the aftermath of World War II is scarcely touched upon.
Belich's broadsweeping approach also uncovers the many holes in New Zealand historiography, however his guesswork in these areas, for instance in sport, is usually convincing and far more informative and thought provoking than ignoring them completely!
The first chapter/s of each chronological chunk give a fair overview of the narrative of that era, particulaly polically and economically, however the book is not a survey in the American sense. I feel that there is a need for such a work in New Zealand history, combining narrative with academic insight in the style of Henretta et al's excellent "America's History", (perhaps the NZ market is too small?). That said, anyone with a passion for history, or studying New Zealand history in particular will be very well served and stimulated by "Paradise Reforged"'s superb arguments and bibliography to explore our history in further depth. Can't wait to see Mr Belich's next project, perhaps a TV adaptation in the Simon Schama mode?!!!

It's unfortunate that the cover of this book detracts and distracts the reader. Between the covers it is a collection of interesting and enlightening tales which show the depth of writing currently being developed in Queensland.

Please ask Sandra Jobson to email me about another Australian adventure happening in America in June 2000. BEV

This comprehensive guide to Australian wines by Shields is a valuable asset to any wine-lover's library. It has short concise reviews not only of the different vintages but also each vintner and vineyard. It was very helpful in helping us find out about lesser known yet very good wines during our extended stay down under. We found a wonderful St. Hallet's Shiraz through this. It sold for half price at the vineyard compared to the local wine shop.

Hi everyone. I'm Percy Trezise's grandaughter!i think that all these books are great!!!The illustrations are really fabulous and its interesting to hear the beliefs of the aboriginals in the dreamtime. i love my family and grandad has really made us all proud with his beautiful artwork and his ability to give us an insight into old aborigninal culture. Buy any of his books they are VERY GOOD! but i'm just a teenager so i wouldn't know much you all probably think. But this book really is very good. Buy it!! BYe!!!

This book has been shortlisted for numerous awards in australia, and it's easy to see why. It's an easy-to-read verse novel for teenagers dealing with love, and self-image. This book is highly recommended for anybody who thinks that teenagers can't be excited and motivated by poetry. Well worth reading aloud to school classes. A unique and original novel for young people.

Excellent Book ! Extremely well written, historical accounts documented by locals of Solmon Islands. Thin, little book but one hungrly eats up every word. Factual views from highly educated (academically and non-traditionally) intelligent people who present the realistic and truthful side of a Pacific Island Peoples history. Non-biased by Missionary or "White Man's" views, it is an account of facts rarely found or publlished. One finds so few works of Anthropological status writen and compiled by the local people of Pacific Island Nations. Very Interesting, creatively written, not for the average person but those who are truly interested in factual accounts of the Solomon's, Anthropology students, and travelers who want to "know" more about the people who they are visiting and not just where to eat and stay. FOr true lovers of Melanesia and Pacific Island history. It's rare to find such a jewel amongst the many grains of sand written today. Buy it ! You won't be sorry!

The Politics of Sex: Prostitution and Pornography in Austrailia Since 1945 gives a through look into Austrailian sexual cultures. This work is the author's PH.D dissertation and is not an easy read but if you can sift through the academic language, this book is quite a gem and worth the price.

A really honest account of a mother - daughter relationship. Beautifully written, lyrical, but never difficult.