Author(s): Ian Dougherty

Biography | Books About Books

Remembered by many as an eccentric folk hero who walked the length of New Zealand at the age of 85, and from Sydney to Melbourne at the age of 89, Alf (A.H.)Reed was a pioneering publisher, prolific author and selfless benefactor. Leaving school at the age of 12, he transcended his working roots in New Zealand's Northland gumfields tofound the publishing firm of AH & AW Reed. He and his wife Belle were devout Christians and the firm's first books were for Sunday schools. But he was also a shrewd businessman and with his nephew Cliff (A.W.)Reed, published a growing range of books on New Zealand's landscape and lifestyle. After his official retirement in 1940, he wrote prodigiously, including books about his long-distance walks. When he was home, he devoted time and funds to building up a collection of rare books and manuscripts at the Dunedin Public Library. This biography offers an engaging portrait of Alf Reed, his beloved Belle, his ceaseless activity and his many contributions to the wider community.

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