THE STORY OF NEW ZEALAND PLACE NAMES

THE STORY OF NEW ZEALAND PLACE NAMES

by A.W. Reed

DESCRIPTION
Format: small hardcover with dust jacket
Published: AH & AW Reed 1952, 1st edition
Size (mm): 145 w x 220 h x 20 d
Pages: 143
SKU: A5/2605/0275/U236

ABOUT
A compact survey documenting the origins, Maori, and Pakeha meanings of over 1,500 geographical names around New Zealand.

Of how towns, rivers, mountains, and districts across the country acquired their names, Reed traces Maori origins, early European adaptations, missionary influences, and the bureaucratic decisions that later formalised spelling and usage.

Reed blends linguistic explanation with brief historical anecdotes, showing how place names preserve encounters, geography, mythology, and moments of settlement. The book becomes both a reference and a cultural snapshot, revealing how language and landscape intertwine to record New Zealand’s layered past.

Illustrated throughout with fine line illustrations.

CONDITION
Excellent with light wear/marks on dust jacket and page edges, name/faint marks on end papers, pages clean. Images depict all need to know detail.

REMARKS
See our other listings on the subject and by this author.