Simpson, Tony

IN BRIEF

Tony Simpson has published widely on aspects of New Zealand history. His books, pamphlets and articles range in focus from the New Zealand depression in The Sugarbag Years (1974), to the origins of New Zealand cuisine in A Distant Feast (1999). He has written extensively on the lives of working class New Zealanders and his other notable titles include, State House Furnishings and Working Class Culture and the idiosyncratic The Scone in New Zealand literature: A Post Modernist Approach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Simpson, Tony (1945 - ) is a writer who has published numerous books, pamphlets and articles, most focusing on New Zealand history.

His readable narrative histories touch on a range of subjects from the New Zealand Depression experience in The Sugarbag Years (1974) to the origins of New Zealand's cuisine in A Distant Feast (1999).

A former industrial advocate, radio producer, and public servant, a survey of Tony Simpson's written works and addresses reveals some common themes: food, politics and the life of the working classes. Representative titles include: 'Pity the Poor Union Man' (NZ Listener); 'State House Furnishings and Working Class Culture' (New Zealand Historic Places); 'The Treaty Speaks to Pakeha' (VUW lecture series); 'User Pays?' (AGMANZ Journal) and the wonderfully idiosyncratic 'The Scone in New Zealand literature: A Post Modernist Approach' (Readers and Writers conference).

Tony Simpson was convenor of the judging panel for the Montana New Zealand Book Awards in 2004. He was joined on the judging panel by academic and J K Baxter expert Paul Millar, and poet and former publisher Anne French.

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