Michael King (historian) 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 author. He wrote or edited more than 30 books about New Zealand. His most popular book was The Penguin History of New Zealand, which was the top-selling New Zealand book in 2004.
Contents
Michael King's 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 in Auckland and St Patrick's College in Wellington.
He studied history at Victoria University of Wellington. While studying, he worked part-time for a newspaper called the Evening Post. He earned his first degree in 1967.
Journalism and Further Studies
In 1967, Michael married Ros Henry. They moved to Hamilton, where he worked as a journalist for the Waikato Times newspaper. He wrote about Māori people and their issues. He also earned a master's degree in history from the University of Waikato in 1968.
After working as a journalism tutor, he became a full-time writer. He later returned to the University of Waikato to complete his PhD. His doctoral research was about Te Puea Herangi, an important Māori leader. He received his PhD in 1978.
Michael King's Writing Career and Focus
Michael King became well-known for his deep understanding of Māori culture and history. Even though he was not Māori himself, he was called "the people's historian" by the New Zealand Listener magazine. This was because he worked hard to write for and about everyday New Zealanders.
Notable Books and Biographies
As a biographer, Michael King wrote life stories of important people. These included Te Puea Herangi, Whina Cooper, Frank Sargeson, and Janet Frame.
As a historian, his books explored different parts of New Zealand's past. Some of his famous works include Being Pākehā (1985) and Moriori (1989). His biggest success was The Penguin History of New Zealand, published in 2003. This book was so popular that it went into its seventh edition very quickly.
In total, Michael King wrote, co-wrote, or edited over 30 books. He also helped write all five volumes of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.
Writing About Māori History
Michael King was always careful when writing about the Māori world. He made sure to build strong relationships with the people he wrote about. He also connected with their families (whānau), sub-tribes (hapū), and tribes (iwi). He believed it was important to understand their perspectives.
Michael King's Family Life and Health
Michael King had two children with his first wife, Ros. His son, Jonathan King, is a filmmaker. His daughter, Rachael King, is a novelist. Their marriage ended in 1974.
Michael King managed his health conditions, including diabetes and post-polio syndrome. In 2003, he was treated for throat cancer, which was in remission by 2004.
Michael King's Death
Michael King and his second wife, Maria Jungowska, died in a car crash in 2004. Their car hit a tree near Maramarua in the Waikato region. An investigation found that the crash was most likely caused by the driver not paying attention.
Awards and Honours for Michael King
Michael King received many awards for his writing and contributions.
- In 1980, he won the Feltex television writers' award. He also received a Winston Churchill Fellowship.
- In 1988, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to literature. That same year, he received a Fulbright Visiting Writers' Fellowship.
He won several prizes at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
- He won the non-fiction award in 1978.
- He won the Wattie Book of the Year Award in 1984 and 1990.
- In 2004, his book The Penguin History of New Zealand won the readers' choice award.
He also received New Zealand Literary Fund awards in 1987 and 1989. He was the Burns Fellow at the University of Otago from 1998 to 1999.
In 2003, Michael King won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in non-fiction. In the same year, The New Zealand Herald newspaper named him New Zealander of the Year.
Michael King's Lasting Legacy
Michael King's work continues to inspire writers in New Zealand.
The Michael King Writers' Fellowship
New Zealand's largest writing award is the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship. This fellowship helps experienced writers work on big projects for two or more years. Famous writers like Owen Marshall and Fiona Kidman have received this award.
The Michael King Writers Centre
The Michael King Writers Centre was created shortly after his death. It is located in the historic Signalman's House in Devonport, Auckland. The centre offers places for both new and experienced writers to live and work on their books.
See also
- New Zealand literature
