Matthew Wright will be in-store signing his latest book, ‘Waitangi: A Living Treaty’ (Bateman), 12:15pm Thursday 24th January 2019.
See his response to our questionnaire below, including two excellent examples of authors who write clearly and concisely.
About the book
Matthew Wright explores the evolution of New Zealand’s most historically significant document, the Treaty of Waitangi, from its origins to its place in the present day. From the early cultural collisions between Māori and Pākehā that led to this landmark agreement, to the many reinterpretations that have followed, Waitangi: A Living Treaty brings the story and concepts of the Treaty to life in this revealing and thought-provoking read.
About the author
Matthew Wright is one of New Zealand’s most published historians. His work has received both academic and popular recognition. He has written around 60 books, including a significant general history of New Zealand, a major biography of Donald McLean, and books on the New Zealand Wars, on the evolution of New Zealand society, and the social impact of the First World War. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society at University College, London.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING AND HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THE BOOK(S)?
My next book is a biography and the majority of what I am reading, of necessity, is focused on that just now.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THEM?
Isaac Asimov, because of the range of what he wrote; and both Asimov and Ernest Hemingway for the clear and simple way both could convey extraordinarily deep concepts.
WHAT BOOKS ARE ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?
These days I get little time for recreational reading and, often, I’ll look to some other form of entertainment to relax such as a movie, or I’ll listen to music.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK-TO-FILM ADAPTATION?
For me the appeal rests on the extent to which the adaptation engages with the priorities of the different medium – film – as a form of expression, without losing the original meaning.
WHAT BOOK HAVE YOU RE-READ THE MOST AND WHY?
I usually read books once, though I have read The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings several times. I loved The Hobbit as a kid and still have the Allen & Unwin edition I had then.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE LITERARY CHARACTER?
One of them is George McDonald Fraser’s version of Harry Flashman.
WHAT BOOK HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN MEANING TO READ BUT STILL HAVEN’T GOTTEN AROUND TO?
I have a fair ‘to be read’ pile, at the moment including Peter Wells’ Dear Oliver.
WHICH THREE WRITERS WOULD YOU HAVE OVER FOR DINNER?
It would depend who I wanted to talk shop with.
HOW ARE YOUR BOOKS SHELVED AND ORGANISED AT HOME?
Let’s put it this way: I can find things, but I don’t have enough shelf space. One day I’ll get them into Dewey order.
