1st Edition (1st Issue) of Maunsell’s 4-Part Māori Grammar with original wrappers

“Grammar of the New Zealand language

 by the Rev. R. Maunsell…of the Church Missionary Society.” 

4 separate parts (as issued) - Printed by J. Moore, High Street, Auckland 1842

Robert Maunsell, an early Missionary based in Paihia, wrote this grammar from 1841-1842 and published it in 4 parts between 1842-3. Following the treaty of Waitangi in 1840, there was significant government support for an official English/Te Reo Māori publication so the work was published by the Government Press in Auckland, rather than Maunsell’s local press in Paihia.

 Given the different Te Reo Māori dialects found in New Zealand, Maunsell was able to use the more universally understood Te Reo Māori of the Southern Waikato iwi (tribe), rather than Northern Māori which was spoken near the Mission Station in Paihia. Maunsell would go onto publish his life’s work, the translation of the Old Testament, into Te Reo Māori, in 1857.

3000 copies of this Grammar were published in 4 parts on 18 May 1842 (Part 1), 10 August 1842 (Parts 2&3) and 1843 (Part 4 – no exact date). Each part contained blue ornamental covers which are present in this copy. Good condition but the 4 parts are loosely glued together at a later date, retaining their original wrappers. Pages are unopened with some small tears to uncut pages. Pamphlets different sizes (as issued).

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Collation: [TP],(v),vi-xv,1-32 (p2 misnumbered 18), 33-80, 81-128, 127-186 (i.e.129-188).

Provenance – a note states that the first three parts of this set were purchased from the estate of Richard Taylor - an important early missionary (see item 12)

BIM 130