Abstract
William Pember Reeves would be a minor figure in the literary history of New Zealand were it not for his meteoric political career. While a vigorous journalist and capable versifier in the Victorian manner, Reeves’ most lasting achievement is The Long White Cloud, an influential history of the young British colony that reflects his inside political knowledge. Yet, like most of his best literary work, The Long White Cloud was written in England, once his political career in New Zealand had ended. Though in exile, Reeves continued to propagate his view of New Zealand in a range of historical, poetic and political writings. In these, he did more than anyone before him to shape the world’s perceptions of New Zealand as a progressive and egalitarian society.
Highlights
William Pember Reeves would be a minor figure in the literary history of New Zealand were it not for his meteoric political career
In 1883, Reeves’ poetic tendencies became publicly apparent, when he edited a book of comic verse, drawn largely from the Lyttelton Times
This was a prestigious appointment, as a civil servant responsible for trade and representative matters, Reeves’ political career was effectively over. This enabled him to return to writing and publishing. His experience of political innovation in New Zealand placed him in demand as a lecturer and writer, and he became friendly with many members of the Fabian Society, including George Bernard Shaw
Summary
William Pember Reeves would be a minor figure in the literary history of New Zealand were it not for his meteoric political career. In 1883, Reeves’ poetic tendencies became publicly apparent, when he edited a book of comic verse, drawn largely from the Lyttelton Times. In 1887, Reeves organised the Canterbury Electors’ Association, essentially the first organised political party in New Zealand, to contest that year’s election.
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