Michael King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael King
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King in 1992
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| Born | 15 December 1945 Wellington, New Zealand |
| Died | 30 March 2004 (aged 58) near Maramarua, Waikato, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Historian, biographer |
| Alma mater | Victoria University of Wellington, University of Waikato |
| Notable works | The Penguin History of New Zealand |
| Notable awards | Officer of the Order of the British Empire (1988) Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement (2003) |
| Relatives | Jonathan King (son) Rachael King (daughter) |
Michael King (15 December 1945 – 30 March 2004) was a famous New Zealand historian and writer. He wrote or edited more than 30 books about New Zealand. His most popular book was The Penguin History of New Zealand. It was the top-selling book in New Zealand in 2004.
Contents
Michael King: A New Zealand Historian
Michael King was a very important writer in New Zealand. He helped many people learn about their country's past. He was known for writing in a way that everyone could understand.
Early Life and Education
Michael King was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1945. He was one of four children. His family lived in Paremata and later in Auckland. He went to Sacred Heart College and St Patrick's College, Silverstream.
He studied history at Victoria University of Wellington. He also worked part-time at a newspaper. Later, he earned a Master's degree in history from the University of Waikato. He became a journalist and then a full-time writer. In 1978, he earned his doctorate degree.
Writing About New Zealand's History
Michael King wrote many books about New Zealand. He was especially known for his knowledge of Māori culture and history. Even though he was not Māori, he worked hard to understand and share their stories. He built strong friendships with the people he wrote about.
He was sometimes called "the people's historian." This was because he wrote for everyone, not just for experts. He wanted all New Zealanders to know their history.
Key Books and Biographies
King wrote biographies about important New Zealanders. These included Te Puea Herangi and Whina Cooper, who were both Māori leaders. He also wrote about writers like Frank Sargeson and Janet Frame.
Some of his well-known history books are Being Pākehā (1985) and Moriori (1989). His biggest success was The Penguin History of New Zealand. This book was published in 2003 and quickly became a bestseller. It helped many New Zealanders learn about their country's past.
Awards and Special Recognition
Michael King received many awards for his writing. In 1980, he won a television writers' award. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1988. This award recognized his great contributions to literature.
He won several Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. His book The Penguin History of New Zealand won the readers' choice award in 2004. In 2003, he received the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement. The New Zealand Herald newspaper also named him New Zealander of the Year in 2003.
His Family and Later Life
Michael King had two children with his first wife, Ros Henry. His son, Jonathan King, is a filmmaker. His daughter, Rachael King, is a novelist.
Michael King had some health challenges, including diabetes. He passed away on 30 March 2004. He and his second wife, Maria Jungowska, died in a car accident. The accident happened near Maramarua in the Waikato region. An investigation later found that the crash was likely caused by the driver not paying attention.
Michael King left behind a great collection of books. His work continues to teach and inspire people about New Zealand's rich history.
