At once notorious and visionary, Edward Gibbon Wakefield and his brothers played a key but controversial role in the early British settlement of New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Once famed as New Zealand's 'Founding Fathers', they have since become the arch-villains of all post-colonial scenarios of the past. Philip Temple, deciding that neither myth made good historical sense, saw that, astonishingly, there was no adequate biography of the family most responsible for the establishment of the Wellington, Nelson and Canterbury settlements.
In stitching together a net of letters and documents, Temple has produced the most comprehensive account yet of the Wakefield family's role in colonial development and self-government across the old Commonwealth. He follows not only the brothers' careers but also establishes the role of the Wakefield women and gives detailed accounts of Edward Gibbon Wakefield's first elopement and his later abduction of Ellen Turner. Temple explores Edward Gibbon's tortuous career through colonial politics from the 1830s to the 1850s and shows how he and his brothers and son strongly influenced, for good and bad, the founding of new nations. This engaging narrative, written in a strong and evocative literary style, relates a story of courage and vision, cupidity and stupidity, high risk and adventure, success against the odds and, ultimately, terrible tragedy.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Philip Temple won a 1996 National Library research fellowship to work on a biographical study of the Wakefield family.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 28.70
From Australia to U.S.A.
Seller: masted books, Gilberton, SA, Australia
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Covers & Spine: both front and back boards are undamaged with only light wear along the edges and at corners, spine is solid with slight bumping at ends. Binding: firm throughout, both hinges strong. Pages & Markings: unstained, no markings, clean throughout. Dust Jacket: intact with only light scuffing on surface and along edges, no significant tears or tape repairs. PLEASE NOTE: Due to this item weighing more than 1 kg with packaging, postage cost for international orders (i.e. not Australian) may be more than what is shown here. Please email me if you would like a quote. All items are protectively packaged, and a postal tracking number will be sent to all customers whose current email address is registered with AbeBooks. Seller Inventory # 007674
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Secret Bookshop (FREE POSTAGE IN NZ), Tararua, New Zealand
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. This copy feels unread and has a tiny repaired closed tear to the jacket. Scarce in hard cover. This remarkably engaging study of a Wakefield family that played a prominent role in the settlement of New Zealand and other English colonies draws on a rich store of personal letters to paint a portrait of a complex family whose influence crossed the globe. A gripping family story, this volume also provides an accessible history of British colonial settlement in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For postage outside NZ this volume weighs 1.3 kg and can be checked for its postage cost to your location at NZ Post Ratefinder We do not make a profit from postage. Seller Inventory # 037353
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: dsmbooks, Liverpool, United Kingdom
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Very Good. book. Seller Inventory # D7S9-1-M-1869402766-4
Quantity: 1 available