Discover the untold story of the Brittan Brothers in 'Cricketing Colonists: The Brittan Brothers in Early Canterbury'. This engaging narrative illuminates the pivotal role William Guise Brittan and his brother Joseph played in shaping early Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Often overshadowed by more well-known figures like John Robert Godley and Edward Gibbon Wakefield, the Brittan brothers were instrumental in the establishment of the Canterbury settlement. William, known as the 'Father of Cricket' in Canterbury, not only pioneered local governance and land transactions but also contributed significantly to the community by establishing churches and supporting the construction of the cathedral with stones from his quarry. Joseph, a prominent political figure and founder of the 'Canterbury Standard', left his mark on local journalism and politics.

This book, authored by renowned historians Geoff Rice and Frances Ryman, spans 350 pages and offers a captivating blend of biography and local history. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the early history of Christchurch, Canterbury cricket, and colonial New Zealand. Whether you're a history buff, cricket fan, or simply curious about the origins of Canterbury, this book provides an in-depth look into the lives and legacies of the Brittan brothers.

Dimensions: 155 x 228 mm | Condition: Brand New | Bind: Paperback | Publisher: Canterbury University Press | Publication Date: 20-08-2015. Order your copy today and dive into this fascinating history!

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ, which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty, or tax.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 155 x 228 mm
Pages: 350
Bind: paperback
Authors: Geoff Rice, Frances Ryman, Geoffrey Rice Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Publication Date: 20-08-2015

John Robert Godley, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, James Edward FitzGerald - these are the names that usually come to mind as the founders of Canterbury. But there was a fourth vitally important individual, arguably equal in importance to FitzGerald, whose story remains largely unknown. William Guise Brittan led the first Canterbury Pilgrims, chaired the Society of Canterbury Colonists and controlled the Land Office in early Christchurch. The 'bell-wether man' of the Canterbury project, he was the first to pay for land land in the settlement, inspiring others to follow his example. William Guise Brittan was also known as 'the Father of Cricket' in Canterbury and established three churches in Christchurch. The city's cathedral was built with stone from his Halswell quarry. His elder brother Joseph, who joined him in 1852, had a significant influence on local politics, as a provincial secretary, and was expected to follow FitzGerald as superintendent, though he lost the 1857 election. A former newspaper owner, he also founded the "Canterbury Standard" in 1854 as a rival to the "Lyttelton Times". He too, was a cricket enthusiast. The Brittan brothers were leading figures in the Canterbury settlement, and made substantial contributions to the province, yet they were unpopular, both their careers ended in failure and disappointment and they have been mostly forgotten. This timely and fascinating account seeks to explain why, exploring their work and family lives (and their bank accounts), and along the way providing a richly detailed panorama of life and politics in early Chistchurch.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.