As the first history to encompass the entire century, New Zealand in the Twentieth Century can be said to be following on from the survey histories of the last century. However, this epic work is much more than a traditional chronology of events. Rather, it brings to life in vivid detail the social, political, and cultural landscape of New Zealand in this period, and combines it with often intimate portrayals of people, places, ideas, and events that have defined us as a nation.