Like Them That Dream - classic work available now from Libro International

He pānui tēnei mo tētahi pukapuka whakahirahira ka whakaputa i tēnei rā - Like Them That Dream: The Maori and the Old Testament, no Bronwyn Elsmore i tuhituhia. 

Today Libro International is proud to bring back to print the classic work on the interaction of Maori and Christianity after the arrival of missionaries in the early nineteenth century. And it is an honour to again work with author, Dr Bronwyn Elsmore; our thanks to her for helping bring Like Them That Dream to fruition. 

The Book:

The arrival of European missionaries in New Zealand had an immeasurable impact on Maori society. Like Them That Dream tells the intriguing story of early interaction between Maori and missionary, leading to the many distinctive responses to the arrival of Christianity.

The book’s first two parts consider how the Christian word was spread and how Maori responded, explaining the identification they felt with the Israelites of the Old Testament. The third part relates the rise of indigenous religious movements, from the early Papahurihia through Pai Marire, Ringatu and the Parihaka Movement, and the later incarnations of the Arowhenua Movement in the South Island and what remains today’s leading Maori church, Ratana.

The Author:

Bronwyn Elsmore is a recognised authority on Maori religions and early spiritual interaction with Christianity. Formerly a senior lecturer in religious studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, she is also the author of Mana from Heaven: A Century of Maori Prophets in New Zealand and Te Kohititanga Marama: The Religion of Matenga Tamati. She lives in Auckland. 

KEY Points:

• Fascinating story of the interaction of Maori with Christianity
• Features major religious movements including Ringatu, Ratana, the Parihaka movement
• Standard reference work on the subject, made available in print-on-demand edition

Title:                Like Them That Dream

The Maori and the Old Testament

author:                        Bronwyn Elsmore

ISBN:                 978-1-877514-26-5

IMPRINT:                 Libro International

SRP:                                        $44.99

SPECS:             234 x 153 mm portrait, PB, 216 pp,

b&w with photos & map

Releasing:                 September 2011

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Marketing:                 Peter Dowling

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To the Gateways of Florence: Auckland launch, hosted by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse

To the Gateways of Florence

Auckland launch hosted by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse

8 September 2011

Penny Hulse, deputy mayor of Auckland, welcomed a crowd to the Council Chambers in the Auckland Town Hall on 8 September for a memorable evening to launch To the Gateways of Florence: New Zealand Forces in Tuscany, 1944. 

A strong representation of city councillors, veterans groups (including a large contingent from the 28th Maori Battalion Association) and guests welcomed the visiting Italian delegation led by the book's editor, Florence provincial councillor Stefano Fusi, and Sestilio Dirindelli, mayor of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. Also in attendance were Donato Scioscoli of the Italian Embassy in Wellington; Mario Magaraggia, Honorary Consul of Italy in Auckland; and Sandra Fresia, President of the Società Dante Alighieri di Auckland. 

Deputy Mayor Hulse applauded the book's publication and paid tribute to the sacrifices of New Zealanders and Italians during the war. 

The guests were welcomed by a moving mihi from kaumatua Fred Holloway, who also led the blessing of the book with Auckland Council tikanga advisor, Bobby Newsom. Ted Lee, president of the Auckland Italy Star Association, Sestilio Dirindelli, Stefano Fusi and publisher Peter Dowling also offered their thoughts and appreciation for the book's reception in New Zealand. 

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse with To the Gateways of Florence

Stefano Fusi (left) and Sestilio Direndelli are welcomed by kaumatua Fred Holloway (Te Kawerau a Maki)   

Penny Hulse (left) with Sestilio Dirindelli and his wife Gianna Fusi; in background Graham Wiremu

Italian Campaign veterans John Johnson (left) and Les Andrews

Les Andrews reserves rapturous applause after showing, with his rendition of Torna a Surriento, he has lost none of the gifts that took him into the Kiwi Concert Party in Italy

Council tikanga advisor Bobby Newsom with kaumatua Fred Holloway bless the book 

From left; Stefano, Annette Fasher-Dow, Sestilio, Jill Gabriel (the book's translator)

From left: Mario Magaraggia, Sestilio Dirindelli, Donato Scioscioli, Stefano Fusi, publisher Alessandra Zecchini, Sandra Fresia

Launching To the Gateways of Florence in Christchurch

Military historian Jeffrey Plowman (who contributed the chapter 'Tiger Country' to the book) with Christchurch City Councillor Barry Corbett

The launch was a reunion for veterans and family, including Lady Fiona Elworth (at right)

Sestilio Dirindelli (right), Mayor of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, addresses the crowd in Italian with Valerie Mayer of the Societa Dante Alighieri di Christchurch interpreting

The book's editor and Florence Provincial Councillor Stefano Fusi addresses the audience as Barry Corbett and UBS Canterbury host Quentin Wilson look on

Signing To the Gateways of Florence

UBS Canterbury was a great host for the launch

Photos by David Baird ©

Beattie's Book Blog reports on To The Gateways of Florence

From 21 July to 4 August 1944, New Zealand soldiers were at the front line as Allied forces pushed forward across the heartland of Tuscany ...

Read the rest on the: Beattie's Book Blog - unofficial homepage of the New Zealand book community: TO THE GATEWAYS OF FLORENCE