The Maori people of New Zealand were experienced field engineers & it was common practice to protect villages with surrounding entrenchments & wooden palisades, known as pas. However, it was not until 1845, with the first fighting between the Maori & the British, that it became clear just how strong & sophisticated the Maori fortifications were. For the best part of 20 years, the Maori held off the dominant & technologically superior British forces, by adapting & developing their defences in response to new British assaults. This book explores the evolution & design of Maori fortifications, & charts the course of a conflict that would ultimately see the British break the Maori pas, leading to a bitter guerrilla bush war. Author: Ian Knight Illustrator: Adam Hook ISBN: 9781846033704