Portraits of the New Zealand Maori - George French Angas

George French Angas is an important source of information on material culture in New Zealand in the early 1840s. He made a six month visit in 1844 and wrote and made paintings and drawings detailing many aspects of Māori life in a period of rapid change.  

This significant and rare book collects together writing and drawings by Angas. This copy is number 257 out of a limited edition of 750 copies. The production values in producing this volume are evident throughout and this would be a valuable addition to your collection of important works about Aotearoa in the early colonial period. 

The publisher commissioned G C Peterson to advise on the works and write a preface. Tā Hirini Mead (S M Mead) was commissioned to write a modern introduction on Māori material culture.

The book also contains a map showing Angas' itinerary and journey in an appendix.

The selection of paintings reproduced in 49 plates goes beyond those by Angas that were used in The New Zealanders Illustrated (published London: Thomas McLean, 1847). The plates are accompanied by descriptive text of the scenes and people involved.

Published in 1972 by A.H. and A.W. Reed Ltd.

Condition: Very good. Outsize folio 535 x 355mm bound in half leather. Binding and leather in extremely good condition with minor bumps to the corners of the boards (see photo) and minor wear to the leather at the top and bottom of the spine. Pages in excellent condition overall with minor folding marks close to the spine on several pages nearer the front of the volume. 

Please enquire with any questions about the condition and contents of this volume or to request further photos. At this stage we have not included photos of any plates but an online search will show many examples of Angas' work.   

Extra courier or postage charges may apply to this item. Because of the size and weight of this item, postage or courier charges may be higher than our standard postage. If need be, we will make contact after your purchase about this.