Controversial Book Reprinted

A once-banned book written by an Italian priest more than a century ago was snapped up by book buyers in New Zealand recently. History of New Zealand and Its Inhabitants, published by the University of Otago Press, was translated into English by Aucklander John Crockett and launched on 20 August. "The first print run sold out ten days later," says publisher Wendy Harrex. A reprint will be available in the second week of October.

The author, Dom Felice Vaggioli, was unique amongst European commentators of the nineteenth century for his controversial view that New Zealand belonged to the Maori, and that the British had no moral right to take it from them. His ardently expressed opinions appear to be the reason behind the book's being banned in the early twentieth century, and its current success.

History of New Zealand and its Inhabitants Dom Felice Vaggioli Translated from the Italian by John Crockett paperback, 340 pages ISBN 1 877133 52 3 Published August 2000 (launched 20 August, reprinted early October) RRP $49.95

CONTACT For more information, or to arrange interviews, contact Philippa Jamieson, University of Otago Press, PO Box 56, Dunedin tel 03 479 9094, fax 03 479 8385, philippa.jamieson@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

OR contact John Crockett directly on 025 275 0412

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