Great New Zealand Argument (paperback)
Great New Zealand Argument: Ideas about ourselves is a collection of some of the most important writing about who New Zealanders are and how we are changing, spanning 70 years of our history.
It includes the first published transcript of David Lange's momentous 1985 Oxford Union debate speech, arguing the proposition that 'Nuclear weapons are morally indefensible'.
Other works include Robyn Hide's lyrical 1938 essay on the emergence of a New Zealand literature, 'The Singers of Loneliness'; Bill Pearson's uncompromising 1954 critique of his country, 'Fretful Sleepers'; Bob Gormack's tart satirical poem 'New Zealand: A Maori Lament'; Sir Keith Sinclair's remarkably prescient 1963 lecture, 'The Historian as Prophet', which encapsulates the young historian's nation-shaping ideas; and Jim Traue's poignant and inspiring reflection on identity, 'Ancestors of the Mind: A Pakeha Whakapapa'. Most of these works have been out of print for years.
A contemporary perspective is added by Tze Ming Mok's 2004 Landfall prize-winning essay 'Race You There' and editor Russell Brown's introductory essay, 'Bringing Argument to Life'.
This book - the debut offering from Activity Press - is touching, provocative and funny. It deserves to be read by all New Zealanders.
Wholesale inquiries are welcome at the distributor, Addenda Publishing, P O Box 78-224, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand, ph 64-9-379-7401 or email addenda@addenda.co.nz.
