Dive deep into the gritty past of colonial New Zealand with 'Christchurch Crimes 1850-1875' by Geoffrey Rice. This remarkable non-fiction account reveals the intricate tapestry of crime and punishment that characterized early Christchurch, showcasing the real stories of ordinary people drawn from rich historical sources. Measuring 152 x 228 mm and containing 228 pages, this paperback book, published by Canterbury University Press on 15-10-2012, is not just an academic study; it’s a vivid reconstruction of life in a burgeoning settlement.

Curated from meticulous newspaper reports, police records, and court minute books, Rice’s narrative provides readers with an unfiltered glimpse into the trials and tribulations of 19th-century Canterbury. The author’s detailed recounting of sensational murder trials and everyday disputes brings forth the voices of cabbies, shopkeepers, clerks, and housewives, illuminating their lives and struggles against the backdrop of colonial realities.

This captivating historical collection serves as a collective memory of the past, appealing to history enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone intrigued by true crime stories. Experience the drama, humor, and poignant sadness encapsulated within these pages as you explore the diverse crimes that shaped early Christchurch.

Enjoy peace of mind with your purchase, knowing that we are happy to combine shipping. As a proud NZ-owned business located in Auckland, Smartfox NZ stocks this item locally, ensuring you encounter no unexpected import charges, customs duties, or taxes.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm
Pages: 228
Bind: paperback
Author: Geoffrey Rice Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Publication Date: 15-10-2012

While researching nineteenth-century Christchurch newspapers for another book, historian Geoff Rice was struck by the diversity of crime in early Christchurch, and the amount of detail in the court reports. Fascinated by what he was reading, he became diverted from the task at hand and set about writing this book instead: about crime and punishment in the first 25 years of Canterbury settlement.
The stories are drawn from newspaper reports, with further detail added from police records and the court minute books. The events are contextualised by Professor Rice's extensive knowledge of the times. It is not an academic study; nor is it a work of fiction. Rather it is an attempt at evidence-based reconstruction of crimes and courtroom proceedings, opening a window on the lives and deeds of ordinary people who lived in this place over 140 years ago.
History is usually written by the winners, and it is rare to hear the voices of ordinary folk from the remote past. Yet such were the shorthand skills of 19th-century newspaper reporters that courtroom testimony and cross-examinations were often captured verbatim, especially in the more sensational murder trials. Reading these reports one can almost hear the voices of the past. We catch glimpses of cabbies, shopkeepers, clerks and housewives going about their daily work, with descriptions of homes or workplaces, and the occasional fight in a pub.
The stories are often dramatic and even sensational, sometimes horrifying, sometimes amusing, often rather sad. Their crimes mirror the difficult realities of colonial life.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.