Audiobooks by Lillian Brooks

Ancient Roots: Indigenous Histories of Australia and New Zealand (3 in 1)

"This book bundle offers a captivating journey through the rich and ancient histories of the Indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand. This three-part volume explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical roots that have shaped these lands long before European settlement. The first section, Ancient Australia, delves into the 65,000-year history of Australia's First Nations, examining their deep connection to the land, complex social structures, and enduring cultural traditions. The second section, Aotearoa New Zealand, explores the history of the Māori people, their migration to New Zealand, the development of powerful iwi (tribes), and their unique social, spiritual, and political systems. The final section, The Dreamtime and Beyond: Aboriginal and Māori Myths, brings to life the vibrant oral traditions of both cultures, sharing the powerful creation stories, ancestral legends, and spiritual teachings that have been passed down through generations. Together, these three perspectives offer a profound understanding of the ancient foundations of Australia and New Zealand, celebrating the resilience, wisdom, and rich heritage of their Indigenous peoples. This book is an essential resource for those seeking to uncover the deep-rooted histories and cultural legacies of these remarkable lands."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Colonial Struggles: Australia, New Zealand, and Māori Resistance (3 in 1)

"This bundle offers a compelling exploration of the complex and often turbulent history of colonial conflict in the Southern Hemisphere. This three-part volume dives into the significant struggles that shaped the histories of Australia and New Zealand, shedding light on the fierce resistance of Indigenous communities against colonial powers. The first section, Australia’s War, delves into the violent clashes between European settlers and Aboriginal Australians, exploring the devastating impact of colonization, frontier warfare, and the long-lasting consequences on Indigenous communities. The second section, New Zealand Wars, examines the series of 19th-century armed conflicts between the British Crown and various Māori iwi (tribes), driven by land disputes, cultural resistance, and the fight for sovereignty. The final section, The Māori and the Pākehā, offers a broader understanding of the cultural and political dynamics between the Māori and the European settlers (Pākehā), exploring themes of adaptation, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights. Together, these three perspectives provide a powerful and nuanced account of colonial conflict and Indigenous resilience, making this book essential reading for those seeking to understand the legacy of colonization in Australia and New Zealand."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Frontiers and Encounters: Settlers, Survival, and Indigenous Struggles (3 in 1)

"This bundle offers a compelling and deeply insightful look into the complex and often harsh realities faced by both settlers and Indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand. This three-part volume captures the resilience, conflict, and cultural endurance that shaped these lands during their formative years of colonization and nation-building. The first section, Surviving the Frontier: Australia’s Harsh Beginnings, explores the brutal and unforgiving conditions faced by early European settlers, convicts, and Indigenous Australians, shedding light on the challenges of survival, frontier violence, and the clash of civilizations. The second section, New Zealand: A Nation’s Journey, traces New Zealand's path from a Māori homeland to a British colony and eventually an independent nation, while examining the cultural encounters, land disputes, and social changes that defined the nation's early years. The third section, Aboriginal Australia: Land, People, and Culture, dives into the rich and enduring heritage of Australia's First Nations, exploring their profound connection to the land, complex social systems, and the ongoing struggle for cultural survival and recognition. Together, these three perspectives provide a nuanced understanding of the human experience on the frontiers of Australia and New Zealand — highlighting both the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the challenges of colonial settlement. This book is essential for those seeking to understand the historical intersections of survival, resistance, and cultural identity in these two remarkable nations."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Stories of the Land: Legends and Histories of Australia, New Zealand, and the Māori (3 in 1)

"This book bundle offers a rich and immersive exploration of the histories, encounters, and enduring legacies that have shaped Australia and New Zealand. This three-part volume captures the essence of these lands through the lens of historical events, cultural clashes, and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. The first section, The Story of Australia, traces the country's journey from its ancient Indigenous roots to the arrival of European settlers, the establishment of colonies, and its eventual rise as a modern nation — all while examining the profound and ongoing impact on Aboriginal communities. The second section, Māori and Pākehā: A History of Encounters, delves into the complex relationship between the Māori, the Indigenous people of New Zealand, and the Pākehā (European settlers), exploring the cultural exchanges, conflicts, and efforts to coexist in a shared land. The third section, The History of New Zealand, provides a broader perspective on the development of the nation, from its Polynesian discovery to British colonization, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the ongoing struggle for Māori rights and cultural preservation. Together, these three narratives weave a powerful and captivating story of the land, its people, and the historical forces that have shaped Australia, New Zealand, and the Māori. This book is essential for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the complex histories and cultural legacies that continue to define these two nations today."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Modern Nations: The Making of Australia, New Zealand, and Māori Identity (2 in 1)

"'Modern Nations: The Making of Australia, New Zealand, and Māori Identity (2 in 1)' explores the transformative journey of two nations as they evolved from colonial settlements into independent, modern states, while also examining the ongoing struggle for recognition and identity among Indigenous communities. This two-part volume captures the complex and often challenging histories that shaped Australia and New Zealand, revealing how these countries forged their national identities amidst cultural clashes, political shifts, and social change. The first section, The Making of Modern New Zealand, traces New Zealand's path from British colony to sovereign nation, highlighting the impact of European settlement, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the ongoing fight for Māori rights and cultural preservation. The second section, History of Australia, explores the formation of modern Australia — from its origins as a British penal colony to its emergence as a diverse and independent nation — while also acknowledging the profound and lasting effects of colonization on Aboriginal communities. Together, these narratives provide a comprehensive understanding of how colonial histories, Indigenous resistance, and nation-building efforts have shaped the modern identities of Australia, New Zealand, and their Indigenous peoples. This book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the dynamic and often contested histories that continue to influence these nations today."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

New Zealand: A History of the Land and Its People

"New Zealand, known as Aotearoa in Māori, is a land rich in history and cultural significance. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, this island nation is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for the diverse stories that have shaped its identity. The history of New Zealand is marked by the migration of its first inhabitants, the Māori, and the later arrival of Europeans, both of whom have contributed to the country’s unique social and cultural fabric. The Māori people, the first to settle the islands, arrived from eastern Polynesia between the 9th and 13th centuries. Their journey to New Zealand is a story of exploration, resilience, and connection to the land. The Māori developed a sophisticated society with rich traditions, strong spiritual beliefs, and a deep connection to the natural world. Their oral histories, cultural practices, and the Māori language (Te Reo Māori) continue to shape the nation’s identity to this day. The arrival of Europeans in the 17th century, particularly the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman and later Captain James Cook, marked the beginning of profound change for the Māori and the land itself. European settlers, driven by the promise of economic opportunities, eventually established colonies in the 19th century. This period saw the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, an agreement that aimed to establish a partnership between the Māori and the British Crown. Despite its noble intentions, the treaty's implementation and interpretation have been subjects of contention and legal battles for decades, particularly regarding Māori land rights."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Story of Australia: From Convict Settlement to Modern Nation

"For an estimated 60,000 years, Indigenous Australians inhabited the vast and diverse landscapes of the continent, developing rich cultures, complex social structures, and deep spiritual connections to the land. Long before European arrival, hundreds of distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations thrived across Australia, each with unique languages, traditions, and ways of life. Their existence was deeply rooted in an intimate understanding of the environment, shaping a sustainable way of living that allowed them to flourish in regions ranging from arid deserts to lush coastal plains. Central to Indigenous Australian culture was the Dreamtime, a spiritual belief system that explained the creation of the land, its people, and its natural features. These stories, passed down through generations, connected individuals to their ancestors and dictated social laws, customs, and responsibilities. The land was not seen as something to be owned but rather as a living entity to be respected and cared for. This relationship fostered sophisticated land management practices, such as controlled burns to regenerate vegetation, ensuring the survival of both the people and the ecosystem. Trade networks existed long before European contact, linking different Indigenous groups across the continent. These exchanges included tools, ochre, food, and ceremonial items, highlighting the complexity of Aboriginal societies. The northern coastal communities also engaged in trade with seafarers from Southeast Asia, particularly the Makassan fishermen from present-day Indonesia, who arrived seasonally to harvest sea cucumbers. This interaction, occurring centuries before European exploration, demonstrates the long-standing external connections Indigenous Australians maintained."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Aotearoa New Zealand: The Convergence and Histories

"Aotearoa New Zealand, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a country with a rich and diverse history that stretches back over a thousand years. Its historical and cultural journey has been shaped by the convergence of Māori and European influences, which has made Aotearoa one of the most unique nations in the world. The story of Aotearoa is not just one of migration and colonization but also of resilience, adaptation, and the constant negotiation of identity, land, and culture. The Māori people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand, arrived from eastern Polynesia in several waves of migration around the 13th century. Over the centuries, they developed a sophisticated culture, which included a rich oral tradition, strong tribal structures, and deep spiritual and cultural ties to the land. The Māori worldview was shaped by the concept of whenua (land), whakapapa (genealogy), and wairua (spirit), and their connection to the environment played a fundamental role in shaping their social and cultural practices. The arrival of Europeans, led by explorers such as Abel Tasman in 1642 and Captain James Cook in 1769, marked a turning point in New Zealand’s history. Initial encounters between Māori and Europeans were characterized by curiosity, exchange, and occasional conflict. However, as European settlement expanded throughout the 19th century, the effects on Māori society became profound. The introduction of new technologies, ideas, and diseases, coupled with land confiscation and colonization, reshaped the cultural landscape of the country. This period led to the displacement of Māori from their ancestral lands and the beginning of a long history of legal and political struggles to protect their rights and sovereignty."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

Australia's War: The Impact of Conflict on a Nation

"The early 20th century was a time of great change and tension around the world. As nations sought to expand their influence, new alliances were formed, and existing powers prepared for conflict. Australia, still a young nation and part of the British Empire, found itself drawn into global events far from its shores. The road to war for Australia was shaped by its loyalty to Britain and its growing sense of national identity. At the start of the 1900s, Australia was still under the authority of the British Empire, a relationship that influenced much of its foreign policy. Britain, having secured its position as a world power, was engaged in a series of alliances and military preparations. The rise of Germany as a strong military power created a climate of fear and competition across Europe. Tensions escalated as nations began to stockpile arms, form alliances, and take aggressive stances toward one another. For Australia, the decision to support Britain in times of war was almost unquestioned. The strong ties to the mother country shaped much of the public opinion and government decisions. Australia’s leaders viewed their role as part of Britain’s global defense network, and many believed that supporting Britain in a time of war would strengthen Australia’s position as a member of the Empire. The idea of imperial loyalty was central to national identity, and Australia’s involvement in any potential conflict was seen as a duty to uphold British prestige and security."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook

New Zealand Wars: Conflict and Change in the 19th Century

"The New Zealand Wars, a series of armed conflicts in the 19th century, marked a defining period in the history of Aotearoa. These wars were fought primarily between the British colonial forces and various Māori iwi (tribes), though the conflicts were far from one-sided. They stemmed from a complex array of issues, including disputes over land, sovereignty, and the growing influence of European settlers on Māori society. The origins of these wars can be traced to the arrival of Europeans, whose presence in New Zealand brought with it not only trade but also significant cultural, political, and economic changes. The initial encounters between Māori and European settlers were characterized by a mixture of curiosity, trade, and alliance-building. However, as more settlers arrived, pressure mounted on Māori land and resources. Tensions began to escalate as land was purchased, often under dubious circumstances, leading to Māori grievances over the loss of their ancestral territories. The New Zealand Company, a British settlement scheme, played a significant role in these land disputes, exacerbating tensions between Māori and the Crown. In response to these threats, Māori began to organize and resist. Some iwi, such as the Waikato and Taranaki, developed strong resistance movements in defense of their land and way of life. The British, in turn, sought to assert their authority over the increasingly restless Māori population, leading to the outbreak of hostilities."

Lillian Brooks (Author), Eleanor Whitmore (Narrator)

Audiobook