FIRST ENCOUNTERS

This important new work on Abel Tasman’s voyage of 1642 explores the earliest encounters between Europeans and indigenous people in New Zealand, Tonga, and Tasmania, in particular offering a fresh perspective on Tasman’s extraordinary encounter with Ngāti Tumatakokiri in ‘Moordenaers Baij’ (Golden Bay).

It also includes the first-ever complete English translation of an important resource for the voyage — from Nicolaes Witsen’s 1705 book Noord en Oost Tartarye — as well as preserves excerpts and illustrations from the lost journal of Tasman’s chief navigator, Francois Jacobsz.

Rüdiger Mack has devoted more than 25 years to this work and has meticulously uncovered new and fascinating details around this extraordinary exploration, from the reasons for its secrecy, the competitive environment of 17th century exploration, and new insights on first contacts with the indigenous populations of Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.

ISBN: 9781991097002
Imprint: Heritage Press
Publication Date: 12 September 2024
Dimensions: 160mm x 240mm
Weight: 810g
No. Of Pages: 348