Hocken Prince of Collectors

Discover the rich history of early New Zealand with 'Prince of Collectors', authored by Donald Kerr and published by Otago University Press. This hardback edition, measuring 155 x 240 mm and comprising 464 pages, delves into the remarkable life of Dr. Thomas Morland Hocken (1836-1910), a pioneering medical practitioner and passionate collector. Arriving in Dunedin in 1862, Hocken dedicated his life to amassing a diverse collection of books, manuscripts, sketches, maps, and photographs, many of which focus on New Zealand’s early discovery narratives, including the accounts of James Cook, Rev. Samuel Marsden, and the writings related to M?ori culture in the southern regions. Hocken’s generosity led to him gifting his extensive collection to the University of Otago in 1910, ensuring that this vital record of New Zealand’s early post-contact history would be preserved for future generations. As a contemporary of notable book collectors like Sir George Grey and Alexander Turnbull, Hocken's legacy remains integral to the understanding of New Zealand's cultural heritage. 'Prince of Collectors' not only highlights Hocken’s dedication to preservation but also serves as an essential resource for historians and enthusiasts of New Zealand's rich past. Perfect for collectors, this authoritative work provides insight into the intricacies of early New Zealand's collection of narratives. Whether you're an avid reader or a collector seeking to enrich your library with significant historical texts, this volume is a must-have.

Author: Donald Kerr Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 155 x 240 mm
Pages: 464
Publication Date: 20-05-2015

Dr Thomas Morland Hocken (1836-1910) arrived in Dunedin in 1862, aged 26. Throughout his busy life as a medical practitioner he amassed books, manuscripts, sketches, maps and photographs of early New Zealand. Much of his initial collecting focused on the early discovery narratives of James Cook; along with the writings of Rev. Samuel Marsden and his contemporaries; Edward Gibbon Wakefield and the New Zealand Company; and M?ori, especially in the south. He gifted his collection to the University of Otago in 1910. Hocken was a contemporary of New Zealand’s other two notable early book collectors, Sir George Grey and Alexander Turnbull. In this magnificent piece of research, a companion volume to his Amassing Treasures for All Times: Sir George Grey, colonial bookman and collector, Donald Kerr examines Hocken’s collecting activities and his vital contribution to preserving the history of New Zealand’s early post-contact period.