New Zealand and the First World War: 1914-1919 by Damien Fenton

The full story of New Zealand's involvement in the First World War, complete with over 500 images – historical imagery, archival paintings, fold-out maps, object photography, lift-out letters, postcards, posters – a dynamic, thrilling portrayal for readers of all ages.

'The fighting has been and is very stern and hard here, but New Zealand's lads and men have proven themselves the equal of the best soldiers of the world.'
–Colonel William Malone, commander of the Wellington Battalion, Quinn's Post, Gallipoli, 15 July 1915
The first of its kind for New Zealand – a lavish, landmark production – New Zealand and the First World War dynamically illustrates 50 key episodes of our wartime life. Featuring over 500 images, many previously unpublished, the book comes with a host of memorabilia:

fold-out maps posters booklets letters postcards
The complete story of New Zealand's war is brought to life in dramatic detail – our front-line experiences overseas as well as those on the home front, from the outbreak in 1914 to demobilisation in 1919.
This terrible conflict was not restricted to faraway battlefields like Gallipoli and Passchendaele – it had an unparalleled impact on New Zealand society, touching nearly every family, every street and every community. Until now, no single history has explored New Zealand's role in the First World War with such breadth and colour.
A defining history for a new generation.

'This is the trailblazing history for the war's centenary. It is a brilliant achievement and one every family should have in its home . . . It answers the obvious and not so obvious questions and will delight every age. It is a triumph.'
--Christopher Pugsley, New Zealand Listener

Damien Fenton

Reviews

“ 'A brilliant book.' ”

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“ --His Excellency Lieutenant-General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand ”

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“ 'A superb achievement . . . [New Zealand and the First World War] deserves to become a family heirloom.' ”

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“ --The Right Honourable John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand ”

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“ '[New Zealand and the First World War] never glorifies war. It seeks to explain it and to note its effects on our nation, families and fighters . . . [it] could play a part in promoting peace by increasing understanding. Yes, it really is that good.' ”

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“ --Mike Crean, Weekend Press ”

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“ 'This is the trailblazing history for the war's centenary. It is a brilliant achievement and one every family should have in its home . . . It answers the obvious and not so obvious questions and will delight every age. It is a triumph.' ”

PRH, PRH

“ --Christopher Pugsley, New Zealand Listener ”

PRH, PRH

“ 'This stunning tome take the reader on a journey from the outbreak of the war, and onward to this country's experiences in Egypt, the Sinai, and the tragedy that was Gallipoli. It traverses the Somme, Ypres, Messines and France. . . . Fenton leaves no aspects uncovered: he looks at what was going on at home during the war years, and how New Zealand supported the war effort, how soldiers were punished in the field, and how women played a vital role in the war effort both in New Zealand and abroad. . . . A stunningly fitting tribute to those who gave their all.' ”

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“ --Judith Martin, Army News ”

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“ 'Amid a plethora of books commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, Damien Fenton's . . . is a standout.' ”

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“ --Paul Little, North & South ”

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“ 'A landmark publication, a defining history for a new generation.' ”

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“ --Daily Post ”

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“ *New Zealand Listener's '100 Best Books of 2013' ”

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Hardback

9780143569756

October 23, 2013

Penguin

112 pages

RRP $75.00
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