Story: Arts and the nation

Ranolf and Amohia

Ranolf and Amohia

These two volumes of Alfred Domett's 1872 poem, Ranolf and Amohia, gives an indication of its length.  The poem, which was subtitled  A South-sea day-dream, occupied over 480 pages of print and was over 100,000 words.  Its length was only one of the aspects of the poem which harmed its popularity in a busy colonial society. Although the poem's use of Māori mythology and scenic settings gave it a self-conscious New Zealand identity, the slow pace and ponderous style did not win over many readers.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: Alfred Dommett, Ranolf and Amohia: a dream of two lives. London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co, 1883 (B-K-1099-Covers)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Arts and the nation - The 19th century', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/44999/ranolf-and-amohia (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 22 Oct 2014