Pakeha Slaves, Maori Masters

Local Description

With over 2,500 copies sold and after almost two years out of stock, Pakeha Slaves, Maori Masters has been updated and reprinted and is available now from Publishers Distribution Ltd.

The books main focus is the Europeans who lived and sometimes died as taurekareka Pakeha (white war slaves) in tribal New Zealand between the 1790s and 1880s. It examines when, where, why and how Maori obtained these slaves and the types of Europeans seized. It explores the diverse slave roles performed by white slaves, their sale prices and the immediate and long term physical and psychological effects of their servitude.

Author description

Trevor Bentley researches, writes and teaches about 19th century New Zealand social, maritime and military history.  His primary focus is the Pakeha who entered Maori tribal societies as voluntary and involuntary culture-crossers.  Dr Bentley has authored eight books set in this era.  A long-term member of the New Zealand Military Historical Society, he lives in Tauranga with his wife Helen.