Maori Dictionary Appraisal

Maori Picture Dictionary by A.W. Reed (1965)

This is a 1965 edition of the 'Maori Picture Dictionary,' authored by A.W. Reed, a prominent figure in mid-20th-century New Zealand publishing and indigenous studies. The book features a soft-tone greenish-yellow or mustard cover, likely a paper dust jacket or reinforced cardstock binding common for educational texts of that era. Centered prominently on the cover is the title in a bold, black serif font, accompanied by a large stylized illustration of a Maori wood carving (whakairo), rendered in reddish-brown and black ink. The illustration showcases intricate traditional patterns characteristic of Maori indigenous art. The author's name, A.W. Reed, is printed in a clean black font at the bottom (or side, depending on orientation). Regarding condition, the cover shows significant signs of age and wear including edge tanning, subtle foxing (the small brown spots of oxidation common on older paper), and minor creasing around the corners and spine. There is also evidence of surface soiling and light shelfwear consistent with a used library or reference book. The binding appears structurally intact, though the paper quality shows the yellowed patina of mid-century wood-pulp production. This item serves as a significant artifact of New Zealand's cultural and linguistic documentation from the 1960s.