The forgotten wars : why the musket wars matter today / Ron Crosby.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 194-196) and index.

The significance of the musket wars -- Features of the musket wars -- The introduction of muskets and beginning of Ngāpuhi dominance -- The peak and decline of Ngāpuhi dominance -- Central North Island iwi react to musket power -- Te Rauparaha's coalitions - heke, raupatu, disintegration -- Imapcts of the musket on Kāi Tahu and Moriori -- Eastern iwi responses to musket power -- The last conflicts.

"Muskets, potatoes and other introductions fundamentally altered the balance of power in 19th-century Aotearoa, leading to inter-iwi conflicts over almost 40 years that claimed tens of thousands of lives (killing, wounding or displacing up to half of the Māori population).Distinguished author and lawyer Ron Crosby brilliantly rewrites his seminal 'The Musket Wars' on a thematic basis, simplifying it to a concise new work full of maps and illustrations for the general reader. Years of presentations to schools and groups is reflected in this dynamic new approach.This important book will further understanding of how the boom of muskets continues to echo in New Zealand today. And it needs to - the wars are still neglected by government and glossed over by other histories. The Forgotten Wars ensures these epic conflicts will be remembered"--Publisher's website.