Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

The history of the Waikato War
The long years of Queen Victoria's reign were typified by numerous 'small wars' as the British Empire spread its influence over the globe and it came into inevitable collision with the numerous and varied inhabitants of the lands it occupied who, understandably, took issue with an abrupt change in the status quo, a diminution of their power and privileges and the intrusive presence of a colonists supported by a massive modern army and navy. Bloodshed was always inevitable as was, in almost all cases, the outcome of the conflicts. The pattern was broadly similar wherever the Union flag was raised and the colonisation of New Zealand in the middle years of the nineteenth century proved no exception. The Maoris fought several of these small wars, which were motivated primarily by their objection to clear injustices perpetrated against them. Predictably these engagements were bitter, savage, hard fought affairs fought by a primitively armed tribal people of redoubtable courage who eventually had little chance against an imperial military force of the industrial age. What makes these wars fascinating for the student of military history is, of course, the effect upon these campaigns as influenced by the nature of the protagonists, the manner of waging war they employed and the telling influence of the terrain over which they were fought. Those who know anything of this campaign will know that it was often fought in deep forest where the hard held Maori pah had to be assaulted and taken at some cost to both sides. It gave rise to fascinating colonial units, like Von Tempski's Forest Rangers. It pitted a warrior people against regular regiments in bitter conflict which taught the British Army hard and bloody lessons; and it introduced to the Empire a fighting people who would one day prove to be equally formidable in war for the causes of those who were once its enemies. This was not the first or the last war waged between the Crown and the Maoris but it was one of the most notable and this account makes fascinating reading. Available in softcover and hardcover with dust jacket.

Through a collection of short stories, a grandfather describes his happy childhood in the small town of Valdosta, Georgia. It was a simple time when children played simple games with simple toys. Those were the days when failure of a child to say "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" to grown folks was considered an act of disrespect which brought swift rebuke and punishment from the disrespected adult and the child's parents. Most homeowners in his neighborhood only dreamed of indoor plumbing, electric lights and home telephone service. Despite the prevailing social order, dictated by racial segregation which choked the advancement of some of his neighbors, little James Edward was often permitted broader liberties to expand his borders simply because all of the adults encouraged his growth. His timing was right. Colored adults nourished his self confidence as though vicariously rekindling their own aspirations. White adults saw a fast moving innocent youngster with a cautions and keen intellect, so letting him roam was a gift to a child which did not threaten their prerogatives. So adults of both races sought ways to assuage the harshness of segregation for little James Edward by smothering him with affection and special attention. The effects of this esteem is reflected in his pleasant memories of the post depression years and other events of that time.

Sir James Edward Alexander (1803 85), an officer in the British Army, travelled the world extensively and published over a dozen fascinating accounts of his journeys. A passionate and intrepid explorer, Alexander was instrumental in ensuring the safe transfer of Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt to England in 1877. Demonstrating the same humour with which his writing is imbued, he later buried pictures of the twelve most beautiful English women of the time at the base of the Needle. Published in 1833, this two-volume work offers insights into the landscapes, peoples and practices of the Americas. With wit and eloquence, Alexander takes the reader with him on his adventures, but also provides significant commentary on the slave populations he encountered. Volume 1 covers Alexander's journey through South America and the Caribbean.

Sir James Edward Alexander (1803 85), an officer in the British Army, travelled the world extensively and published over a dozen fascinating accounts of his journeys. A passionate and intrepid explorer, Alexander was instrumental in ensuring the safe transfer of Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt to England in 1877. Demonstrating the same humour with which his writing is imbued, he later buried pictures of the twelve most beautiful English women of the time at the base of the Needle. Published in 1833, this two-volume work offers insights into the landscapes, peoples and practices of the Americas. With wit and eloquence, Alexander takes the reader with him on his adventures, but also provides significant commentary on the slave populations he encountered. Volume 2 covers Alexander's journey through North America and his return to England.