During its history New Zealand has enjoyed a reputation as a social laboratory. The Historical Dictionary contains detailed entries covering important people, events, and places in New Zealand history and placing special emphasis upon previously neglected Maori figures and more recent history. ...an erudite yet very practical guide...historically sound, sober in judgment, and interesting to read...is of high quality and remarkably wide range. Recommended without reservation to all reference libraries. --REFERENCE REVIEWS The text is eminently readable...it contains an abundance of introductory information that students of New Zealand politics and culture will find interesting and entertaining. --ARBA