Author(s): A.W. Reed

NZ Fiction

First published at two volumes in 1972 and 1977 and combined in 1983, this collaboration between the Maori lore and legend of A.W. Reed and the creative vision of artist Roger Hart was at the forefront of a wave of renewed interest in the ancient Maori world.<br><br>The book ranges over the most widely recognised myth and supernatural stories from the ancient Maori world including the Creation cycle, legends of Maui, the moon, pounamu, kumara, fertility, denizens of the sea and sky, restless mountains, giants, ogresses, fairies, tribal gods, tohunga, taniwha and even magic itself. Each legend is accompanied by a Roger Hart painting which visually re-imagines scenes using the language of colour.<br><br>With a foreword by Don Stafford and introductions from both author and artist.