'Unlike in Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere, urban history has never been sustained as a distinct field of scholarship in New Zealand. This is surprising, considering that since the early twentieth century most New Zealanders have lived in towns and cities – 86 per cent were urban in 2014. Yet we know surprisingly little about these urban dwellers and the spaces in which they lived.' The pursuit of city life is one of the most important untold stories of New Zealand. The Big Smoke is the first comprehensive history to tell this story, presenting a dynamic and highly illustrated account of city life from 1840 to 1920. It explores such questions as: what did cities look like and how did they change; why were women especially drawn to live in cities; in what ways did Māori experience and shape cities; how far was the street a living room and stage for city life; and why did New Zealand so quickly become a nation of townspeople? At a time of national debate over housing and the growth of our cities, Ben Schrader’s superb new history reveals how our urban origins have shaped the people we are today. Available in paperback and ebook formats from booksellers and using the ‘Buy’ buttons on this page. For more information on these purchase options please visit our Sales FAQs page or contact us.

Ever felt you need to turn to a whole team of advisers for help in bringing up your wayward children? From psychiatrists to cooks, from laundry maids to substance abuse counsellors? Then this book, an easy-to-read guide to teenagers—and how to live happily with them—is aimed at you. By interviewing over 40 parents and their offspring, and based on up-to-the-minute medical and social facts, the authors have produced a handbook that highlights areas of conflict and advises on how to get things right. For both parents who want to get maximum enjoyment out of life with their teenagers and for teenagers to give to their parents, this book seeks to cover everything you want to know about friendships, drugs, sex, bullying, grief, eating disorders, and general teenage living.