A Bibliography of the Literature relating to New Zealand

1909

Brasch Z4410 HP 86

Wellington: John Mackay

As one American writer stated: ‘One must be possessed of a certain kind of madness, I feel to compile a bibliography…’. Perhaps Dr Hocken was a little book-mad, as he did succeed in producing his Bibliography of the Literature relating to New Zealand, which appeared in late July 1909. The title-page contained a Maori motto: ‘He Mahi Nui Rawa Atu’, which he translated as ‘Truly this is a very laborious deed’. His Bibliography remained the only reference tool for scholars of New Zealand literature and history for over sixty years. Even today, ‘Not in Hocken’ is still a valid note for booksellers and collectors. Here are a few entries for books published in 1869, often accompanied by his succinct comments.