{"title":"NZ History","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom personal memoirs to historical accounts of towns, businesses and organisations  - all with a New Zealand focus. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"colonial-style-pioneer-buildings-of-new-zealand","title":"Colonial Style - Pioneer Buildings of New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Charles Fearnley\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1986\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover in very good condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent look at some of the characteristics of colonial style buildings - from modest cottages to grander homes. Chapters include porches and verandahs, iron work, gable ends and more. A great little reference book for those restoring old houses from that period. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50642371150124,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/20250222_075755.jpg?v=1740165560"},{"product_id":"fanny-buss-sketch-book","title":"Fanny Buss Sketch Book","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Fanny Buss\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1972\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn good condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover booklet with beautiful pencil sketches and short descriptions of notable Christchurch buildings of the time. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50652937716012,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/fannybusssketchcover.jpg?v=1740472209"},{"product_id":"lights-and-shadows-of-colonial-life","title":"Lights and Shadows of Colonial Life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eBy Sarah Courage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished 1976\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket, in very good condition small rip on cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"65\" data-end=\"485\"\u003eA look at the trials and triumphs of early colonial life in New Zealand. Through personal anecdotes and historical reflections, Courage paints a detailed picture of early colonial life, capturing the challenges faced by settlers and the resilience required to build a new life in a foreign land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"725\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50667502141740,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/coloniallife.jpg?v=1740769030"},{"product_id":"under-the-norwest-arch","title":"Under The Nor'West Arch","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished 1970\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy Grace and Ted Porter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in very good, secondhand condition. Previous owner's name written on title page. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"487\" data-start=\"54\"\u003e\"If you had known me in 1934 you'd have laughed at the idea that I'd ever feature in a book concerning 'Wild West' adventures beyond the nor'west arch....\" begins Ted Porter in the first chapter. From living in Addington and running a car wrecking business before WWII to working as a shepherd in rural Canterbury - this is a lovely memoir of one family's adventures. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50667598807340,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/undernorwestarch.jpg?v=1740719643"},{"product_id":"new-zealand-house-cottage","title":"New Zealand House \u0026 Cottage","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Don Donovan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished 1997\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover - in very good condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA collection of remarkable or interesting houses and cottages that the author spotted on travels around the country. \"And there is nothing modern here: the future will identify the treasures of today but it's hard to pick what is going to become a classic...Besides on the houses and cottages I paint there's a patina that can only come from age.\" So said Donovan in his introduction to the lovely book. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671012905260,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/houseandcottage.jpg?v=1740787493"},{"product_id":"roughnecks-rolling-stones-rouseabouts","title":"Roughnecks, Rolling Stones \u0026 Rouseabouts","description":"\u003cp\u003eby John Lee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1989\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esoft cover in very good condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great book, easy to dip in and out of, with a multitude of stories on early days rural characters. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50887846265132,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/rouseabouts.jpg?v=1743927731"},{"product_id":"life-on-a-five-pound-note","title":"Life On A Five Pound Note","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Evelyn Hosken\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1964\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket. The dust jacket is frayed and torn at the front. Overall it's quite faded and in used condition. But inside the book is in good readable condition, no missing pages, rips, etc. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really interesting, easy-to-read account of life in the Mackenzie country in the early 1900s. Part personal memoir and part history, it recounts the building of the church at Tekapo to home-nursing, race days, dog trials and plenty of history. Plus plenty of wonderful old black and white photos. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50893105430828,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/fivepuondnote.jpg?v=1743996922"},{"product_id":"princes-street-by-gaslight","title":"Princes Street By Gaslight","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Hardwicke Knight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover, good condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compilation of old photos taken in Princes Street, Dunedin in the late 1800s. Compiled by Hardwicke Knight it features images taken by photographer Daniel Louis Munday who had a studio on the corner of Dowling Street and Princes Street. Most of the photos in this book were taken in 1863 and 1864. A fascinating and thoughtful look at everyday life in the 1860s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50910484037932,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/princesstreetgaslight.jpg?v=1744148539"},{"product_id":"country-houses-of-new-zealand-north-island","title":"Country Houses of New Zealand - North Island","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Michael Fowler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1971\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket, some frayed corners and creases around top and bottom of dust jacket. But inside of book in very good condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePencil drawings and descriptions of each house by Michael Fowler. Includes houses from Wellington to Hawkes Bay and Kerikeri. A beautiful record of historic homes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50916630724908,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/housesnz.jpg?v=1744258032"},{"product_id":"high-adventure-from-balloons-to-boeing-in-new-zealand","title":"High Adventure - From Balloons to Boeing in New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby R T Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover, published 1968 to mark 21st Anniversary of NAC. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA history of NZ aviation up to 1967. This book covers major events and illustrates the central figures of the story - the aeroplanes. With black and white sketched illustrations and a warm, informative tone. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50944992739628,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/boeings.jpg?v=1744780634"},{"product_id":"the-changing-land-a-short-history-of-new-zealand","title":"The Changing Land - A Short History of New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Michael Turnbull, illustrated by Jill McDonald\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epublished 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback in very good condition but does have previous owner's name on front page. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom whalers to farming, gold mining to the Napier Earthquakes - this book is a short whirlwind tour of certain aspects of NZ History. An interesting read with black and white illustrations. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50945185808684,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/changingland.jpg?v=1744785598"},{"product_id":"islands-of-the-gulf","title":"Islands of the Gulf","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Shirley Maddock and Don Whyte\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback with dust jacket in good condition. First published in 1966, this edition 1969. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very comprehensive look at the Hauraki Gulf and its islands. From plants to history, holidaymakers to ship-wrecks -this is a great book on the area. With lots of excellent photos too. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50947444113708,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/islandsofbay.jpg?v=1744833932"},{"product_id":"william-mary-rolleston-an-informal-biography","title":"William \u0026 Mary Rolleston - An Informal Biography","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Rosamond Rolleston\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback in very good condition. Published 1971\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recounting of the life and times of William Rolleston and his wife Mary. William was a Cambridge graduate who arrived in Lyttelton in 1858  - he went on to become superintendent of Canterbury and have a political career. This book provides an interesting insight into Victorian society and the politics of the time. Author Rosamond Rolleston, was the grand-daughter of William and Mary. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50965451800876,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/rolleston.jpg?v=1745208413"},{"product_id":"bush-in-our-yard","title":"Bush In Our Yard","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Frank Glen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket, published 1980 in really good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Frank Glen returned to NZ after spending time as a military cleric, he throws himself into rural life along with his wife, Biddy. This book tells the tale of their return to NZ and life on a 2 hectare property near Invercargill - from dealing with possums to fencing, shearing and taking the lambs to the works. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50974048059692,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/bushinbackyard.jpg?v=1745390461"},{"product_id":"country-churches-of-new-zealand","title":"Country Churches of New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Dan Donovan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover, published 2002, in very good condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonovan spent three years travelling around New Zealand looking at country churches. The result is this beautiful book with some 148 rural churches of various denominations included. There is a short, interesting background on each along with Donovan's beautiful watercolour illustrations. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50994902663468,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/cntrychurch.jpg?v=1748421024"},{"product_id":"handbook-to-the-fjordland-national-park","title":"Handbook To the Fjordland National Park","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished by the Fjordland National Park Board, 1973. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition with foldout map and images. Small piece of tape at top and bottom of spine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbook covers geology, vegetation, fishing, birds and the work of rangers. It's a lovely piece of history and nature. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50995019022636,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/fjordland.jpg?v=1745644551"},{"product_id":"new-zealand-disasters","title":"New Zealand Disasters","description":"\u003cp\u003eE. C. Grayland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket, rip on front cover as per image. The ripped piece is inside the book. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished 1957\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51036267282732,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/20250504_172753.jpg?v=1746344305"},{"product_id":"the-way-we-were-canterbury","title":"The Way We Were - Canterbury","description":"\u003cp\u003ePictorial Memories of Early New Zealand - Canterbury edition. by Valerie Davies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover, published 1994. In very good condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book gives a short background on the history of Canterbury from the late 1800s onwards. As its name suggests it's all about images - and there are pages of great black and white photos of everything from men at work to ladies' fashion. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51146851483948,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/way_we_were_pic_book.jpg?v=1748590430"},{"product_id":"mark-twain-in-australia-and-new-zealand","title":"Mark Twain in Australia and New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Mark Twain \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eoriginally published in 1897, this paperback edition published in 1973 by Penguin Books. In good overall condition, no rips, tears, etc. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwain was more than 60 years old when he wrote these memoirs of his last voyage. Not so much history as a light-hearted reflection on his travels and what he found in the last 1800s. Interesting stuff. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51193939722540,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/marktwain.jpg?v=1749546912"},{"product_id":"before-we-say-goodbye","title":"Before We Say Goodbye","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Denys Parsonon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in good condition. published 1975 and includes black and white images. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great memoir about the time spent farming in Pelorus Sound and running a b \u0026amp; b in the period after WW11. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51198976950572,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/beforewesaygoodbye.jpg?v=1749625369"},{"product_id":"whitestone-oamaru","title":"Whitestone Oamaru","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Peter Shaw\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographs by Peter Hallett\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover in excellent condition, published 1995. An excellent journey through Oamaru's distinctive Victorian architecture. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51206089900332,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/WhitestoneOamaru.jpg?v=1749796027"},{"product_id":"curtain-raiser-to-a-colony-sidelights-on-the-found-of-new-zealand","title":"Curtain Raiser to a Colony: Sidelights on the found of New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eCecil and Cecilia Manson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in good condition, some fraying. published 1962. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn engaging look at the some of the people and characters in the story of New Zealand. A London business man who schemed to plant colonies in a country he had never seen. An eccentric young man of French birth who dreamed of setting up his own kingdom.  A humble Maori youth who was lionised as a prince by London society . . . New Zealand's first town planner, who from his London office planned a dream city on the Hutt River, complete with Billingsgate Fish Market and President's Palace. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51206134300972,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/Colony.jpg?v=1749797986"},{"product_id":"from-forest-to-farm","title":"From Forest to Farm","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Briscoe Moore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback in good condition. Published 1969. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor, sheep farmer, served in WW1, won Bledisloe medal for farming in 1946, served on Wool Board. He did a bit. And still found time to write an interesting account of his experience and views of hill county farming in NZ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51206162972972,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/foresttofarm.jpg?v=1749799169"},{"product_id":"the-good-logs-of-algidus","title":"The Good Logs of Algidus","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Mona Anderson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in good, used condition. Published 1965. Previous owner's name on title page. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis second book from author Mona Anderson goes back through the history of Mount Algidus Station and how it came to be. She puts a special focus on the women of Algidus and how they adapted to the conditions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlenty of wonderful historical, black and white photos too. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51210132455724,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/goodlogs.jpg?v=1749878783"},{"product_id":"oamaru-history-heritage","title":"Oamaru - History \u0026 Heritage","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Gavin McLean\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esoft cover, published 2002\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful book on the history and heritage of Oamaru from well known historian Gavin McLean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcLean (who sadly passed away in 2019) grew up in Oamaru. This book is an interesting and engaging look at some of the town's historic buildings and the wider context around them. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51316093190444,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/oamaru.jpg?v=1751789431"},{"product_id":"a-canterbury-tale","title":"A Canterbury Tale","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn Autobiography of Dr Francis Bennett\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in very good condition. Oxford University Press 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with author's childhood in South Canterbury on the backblocks with his parents and little brother. He goes on to serve in both WW1 and WWII, goes to medical school in Dunedin and becomes a doctor at the start of the Depression. It sounds like unlucky timing is a theme here - but there's no self-pity in this engagingly written account of his life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBennett also penned a novel The March of The Little Men. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51341820199212,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/canterburytale.jpg?v=1752396653"},{"product_id":"baches-cribs","title":"Baches \u0026 Cribs","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Jeff Grigor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftcover, published 2008. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great compilation of images of traditional, kiwi style holiday homes brimming with character. These are small, laid back, unassuming holiday homes often with no electricity but amazing views. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51341919355180,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/baches.jpg?v=1752399007"},{"product_id":"the-bosss-story","title":"The Boss's Story","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Peter Newton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with just jacket in very good condition. Published 1966. First edition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Newton recounts his time spent managing Mt White Station in the Waimakariri Gorge. With plenty of black and white photographs and a lively and engaging way of writing, this is a fascinating and readable memoir of life in the high country. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51344607838508,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/thebossstory.jpg?v=1752482605"},{"product_id":"the-road-back","title":"The Road Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Robert Buchan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft cover, published 1973. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn account of Robert Buchan's time spent as a headmaster in a variety of schools around New Zealand, along with his wife and young family. It is he says in the introduction \"an earnest endeavour ...to place on record the story of his experiences as a headmaster in various schools during a period of over forty odd years.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWonderful stuff. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51344658759980,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/roadback.jpg?v=1752484635"},{"product_id":"partners-in-production","title":"Partners in Production","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Bill Benzies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback in very good condition with dust jacket. Published 1968 by the NZ Apple and Pear Marketing Board. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA detailed history of Bill Benzies' time as an orchardist and his involvement with the NZ Apple \u0026amp; Pear Marketing Board as it developed the industry. Plenty of interesting tales and old photographs of early orchards and packing sheds.  It's a niche book, no doubt about that, but someone will love it!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51346973032748,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/prodpartners.jpg?v=1752545567"},{"product_id":"wall-of-shadows-the-nz-jannu-adventure","title":"Wall of Shadows - The NZ Jannu Adventure","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Graeme Dingle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback with dust jacket. In very good condition. Small tear on front of dj. Published 1976.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wall of Shadows of the title is 2000 feet of ice plastered rock which forms part of the ascent of Jannu in the Himalayas. This account of a NZ attempt to climb the mountain covers everything from the woes of fundraising to the challenges of the climb. Fascinating detail in the appendices describe the food taken, the personal equipment needed and the medical issues and kit. A surprisingly easy-to-read adventure but will obviously be of particular interest to those that like climbing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51347001934124,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/janu.jpg?v=1752546807"},{"product_id":"new-zealand-short-stories","title":"New Zealand Short Stories","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished by Oxford University Press. Hardback with dust jacket in very good condition. First published 1953, this edition published in 1957. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA collection of 33 stories by NZ writers - including Alfred A Grace, Katherine Mansfield, Frank Sargeson, Janet Frame. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51458902688044,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/shortstories.jpg?v=1752999522"},{"product_id":"otago-cavalcade-1901-1905","title":"Otago Cavalcade 1901 - 1905","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first in the Otago Cavalcade set of 7 books in total. These are all about old photographs compiled by Hardwicke Knight that reflect life in Otago at the time. This one covers 1901 - 1905. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardwicke Knight was born in London in 1911 but moved to Dunedin to take up a job as a medical photographer. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51520584024364,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/otagocav1.jpg?v=1753260179"},{"product_id":"a-river-rules-my-life-signed-copy","title":"A River Rules My Life - Signed Copy","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Mona Anderson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback with dust jacket. published 1963.  Previous owner's name on first page. Some very light fraying around edges of dust jacket but overall in excellent condition and signed by author on title page. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The River was my Rubicon. I had heard stories about the terrible Wilberforce: so many people had drowned in it.\"  A great opener to a beautiful book about the author's life at the wild and remote Mount Algidus Station, with lots of black and white photos. Anderson is a warm, engaging and never pretentious writer - she tells a great story of rural life in the 1950s. This is an NZ classic - one to read and keep. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51779698098476,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/riverrulesmylife1.jpg?v=1780537480"},{"product_id":"high-adventure","title":"High Adventure","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Edmund Hillary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful account of Hillary's mountain adventures and the Everest expedition. He was, he says, sixteen before he ever saw a mountain - and that was on a 10 day school ski-ing trip to Mt Ruapehu. An interesting and easy read with lots of old black and white photos. Great stuff. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue hardback,  with no dust jacket, this edition published in 1955. Title on spine. Some foxing on pages and dedication sticker to previous owner on first page. But in good readable condition, no tears, no missing pages and photographs and maps included. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51813658329388,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/20260326_185924.jpg?v=1774509954"},{"product_id":"doctor-in-the-mountains","title":"Doctor In The Mountains","description":"\u003cp\u003eby W A Anderson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback in very good condition, first published 1964, this edition 1970. Beautiful dust jacket with painting by Douglas Badcock, quite a well-known NZ painter of the time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great memoir of William Anderson's days as a doctor in the early 1900s, from the influenza epidemic of 1918 to over 20 years of private practice in Queenstown. There were few telephones and he made plenty of house calls in all weathers and all seasons  dealing with everything from delivering babies to injuries from a gas plant explosion. This is an easy and interesting read that gives a great view of Queenstown back in those days, the characters and the working life of a doctor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of old black and white pictures too. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat stuff. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51833052234028,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/20250823_171855.jpg?v=1755931837"},{"product_id":"a-river-rules-my-life","title":"A River Rules My Life","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Mona Anderson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback with dust jacket. published 1963. Spine of dust jacket torn at top. Previous owner's name on second page. In good overall condition for a book of this age. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The River was my Rubicon. I had heard stories about the terrible Wilberforce: so many people had drowned in it.\"  A great opener to a beautiful book about the author's life at the wild and remote Mount Algidus Station, with lots of black and white photos. Anderson is a warm, engaging and never pretentious writer - she tells a great story of rural life in the 1950s. This is an NZ classic - one to read and keep. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51849243722028,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/riverrulesmylife.jpg?v=1756262420"},{"product_id":"stewart-island","title":"Stewart Island","description":"\u003cp\u003eby N S Seaward and Sheila Natusch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esoftcover, small, stapled 56 pages. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous little book on Stewart Island was first published in 1951, this edition is the 4th revised edition printed in 1967. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA collaboration between naturalist Sheila Natusch and photographer Neville S Seaward, this little handbook is just lovely. Scattered with black and white sketches, old photographs and a map of Stewart Island - it is written in a warm and engaging way and covers everything about the island from its history to its wildlife, walking tracks and launch trips. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51862750724396,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/stewartisland.jpg?v=1756512878"},{"product_id":"the-tall-tussock","title":"The Tall Tussock","description":"\u003cp\u003eby David McLeod\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback, with dustjacket. published 1959, this edition 1960.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen tales of life in the High Country. The stories \"include everything form personal experience through hearsay to pure fiction\" says McLeod in the introduction to this lovely little book. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51866795737388,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/inthetalltussock.jpg?v=1756626435"},{"product_id":"the-seven-rivers","title":"The Seven Rivers","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Douglas Stewart\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket. In very good condition. Published 1966.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book mostly \"about trout-fishing in Australia and New Zealand, and mostly meant for fishermen. It contains very little advice, for I don't claim to be an expert, I wrote it simply for the pleasure of going fishing again in retrospect, along my favourite rivers\". These are the author's words from the introduction to this book. A lovely, thoughtful book. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51866873299244,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/sevenrivers.jpg?v=1756631142"},{"product_id":"living-high","title":"Living High","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Linda Gill\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaperback, in good condition. Published 1983. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe true story of a family that head to the Himalayas, accompanying Sir Edmund Hillary on a visit to the Solu-Khombu region at the foot of Everest. Includes plenty of interesting old images. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51874125938988,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/livinghigh.jpg?v=1756804259"},{"product_id":"frontier-new-zealand-the-search-for-eldorado-1800-to-1920","title":"Frontier New Zealand - The Search for Eldorado - 1800 to 1920","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Duncan Mackay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esoft cover, published 1992. In very good condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom whaling gangs to gold prospectors and bushmen - this book looks at the lives, work and leisure of the frontier workers and their towns. Some great old black and white photos from the period. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51878417039660,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/goldmine.jpg?v=1756889285"},{"product_id":"the-story-of-new-zealand","title":"The Story of A New Zealand River","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Jane Mander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaperback, in good condition. first published in USA. This edition published 1973. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis story was first published in the USA in 1920 and was well reviewed. It has now become considered a bit of a New Zealand 'classic'. It tells the tale of Alice who has a marriage of convenience with a bushman, but falls in love with the local doctor. It's a tale of settler life, puritanism and emotional struggle. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51879090716972,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/river.jpg?v=1756891419"},{"product_id":"the-silver-fern","title":"The Silver Fern","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Temple Sutherland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback, with dust jacket in good condition. Published 1959.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn account of a car journey the writer made through New Zealand with his wife. They cover some 11,000 miles and spend seven months on the road, getting to know the country and the people. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51906395865388,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/fern.jpg?v=1757323713"},{"product_id":"many-a-glorious-morning","title":"Many A Glorious Morning","description":"\u003cp\u003eby David McLeod\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket in good condition. Published 1979. Previous owner's name cut out of first page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere David McLeod tells of his early years learning to work and live in his beloved High Country - at Mt White Station in the South Island. With plenty of wonderful old black and white photos. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51906404778284,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/mcleod.jpg?v=1757324100"},{"product_id":"the-other-side-of-summer","title":"The Other Side of Summer","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Peggy Dunstan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback in good condition, with dustjacket. Published 1983.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the second book of childhood memories from Christchurch born poet and author, Peggy Dunstan. A delightful and evocative look back at her childhood in 1920s Christchurch and Wellington. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52015708635436,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/othersideofsummer.jpg?v=1758743051"},{"product_id":"portraits-of-the-pioneers-stories-from-canterbury-new-zealand","title":"Portraits of the Pioneers - Stories From Canterbury, New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eby Margaret Copland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished 2005. Soft cover compilation of immigrant stories. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dedication in this book says \"To all the descendants of assisted immigrants who travelled steerage to Canterbury, NZ\". \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a great look at history as it was lived by regular people. There are accounts of the journey, copies of the rules for assisted passage, the trials of daily life on arrival. It's interesting stuff and nicely told. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52020394721580,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/20250926_074132_1.jpg?v=1758830284"},{"product_id":"peninsula-and-plain","title":"Peninsula And Plain","description":"\u003cp\u003eHardback in reasonable condition. Dustjacket. Third, revised edition - published 1974. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear, compact account of the Banks Peninsula, the plains and the people; a story which began 250 million years ago with the first stones of the Southern Alps. Includes historic and contemporary (well to 1974), maps and diagrams. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52027446133036,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/peninsula.jpg?v=1759037626"},{"product_id":"coaching-days-and-accommodating-ways","title":"Coaching Days and Accommodating Ways","description":"\u003cp\u003ecompiled by Vera McLennan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 80 page booklet with soft cover, in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is such a niche booklet and all the more wonderful for it. It covers the history of the coaching roads, the accommodation along the road and lots of little bit and pieces about interesting characters and history. Great stuff. With lots of black and white images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first defined tracks across the Plains west of Christchurch were runholders' tracks used by men on foot and on horseback. They picked the easiest paths or terrain as they made their way through the tussock.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52027487027500,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/coaching.jpg?v=1759039695"},{"product_id":"turn-back-the-clock","title":"Turn Back The Clock","description":"\u003cp\u003eEvelyn Hosken\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehardback with dust jacket in good condition. Published 1968. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBygone days and ways of South Canterbury described in lively detail by a born and bred resident. Chapters include The Churchbuilders, Sunstroke and Swaggers, Great Stations of the Mackenzie and Timaru: The Formative Years. All interspersed with over 25 black and white photographs. A fabulous record of local history. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Retro Reads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52031964676396,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/2677\/3548\/files\/lookback.jpg?v=1759180379"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.retroreads.co.nz\/collections\/nz-history.oembed?page=6","provider":"Retro Reads","version":"1.0","type":"link"}