In 1907 Dr T.M. Hocken of Dunedin - historian, bibliographer and collector - undertook to gift to the University of Otago his magnificent collection of books, manuscripts, paintings and other historical documents relating to New Zealand and the Pacific. Published to celebrate the centenary of the Hocken Collections' Deed of Trust, this book documents almost 200 items, dating from the seventeenth century to the present day, photographed by Bill Nichol. These include historical and modern paintings, photographs and drawings, maps and plans, books, newspapers and posters, sheet music, sound recordings, and early New Zealand manuscripts. Many items relate to Maori history.