Michael King

Date of Birth: December 15, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 30, 2004

Biography

Michael King, born in Wellington, New Zealand, was a celebrated historian and author known for his extensive work on New Zealand’s history and the cultural heritage of the Māori people. He was educated at St. Patrick’s College in Wellington and later attended Victoria University of Wellington, where he earned a degree in history. King began his career as a journalist before transitioning into historical research and writing. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 30 books, including the acclaimed “Penguin History of New Zealand” which became a bestseller and is considered a seminal work in New Zealand historiography. King’s writing was characterized by its accessibility and depth, bridging the gap between academic history and popular narrative. His contributions to the field earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Non-Fiction.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael King

1. Michael King’s book “The Penguin History of New Zealand” is one of the best-selling New Zealand books of all time.

2. He was awarded the Order of New Zealand, the country’s highest honor, in 2003.

3. King was an advocate for the preservation and recognition of Māori culture and history.

4. He survived a serious car accident in 1990, which profoundly influenced his later work.

5. King was posthumously awarded the New Zealand Post Book of the Year Award for his final book, “The Penguin History of New Zealand.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael King

1. “History is not a catalogue but…a convincing version of events.”

2. “To know where we are going, we must first understand where we have been.”

3. “A nation that forgets its past has no future.”

4. “The stories of a nation are its most precious resource.”

5. “Understanding the history of others is the key to understanding ourselves.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Michael King’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, largely due to the sales of his books and speaking engagements.

Children

Michael King had two children, a son named Jonathan King and a daughter named Rachael King. Rachael followed in her father’s footsteps and became a noted writer and literary figure in New Zealand.