James Michael Liston: A Life

The full and richly illustrated biography of one of the most important figures in New Zealand church – and general –history.

When James Michael Liston died at the age of 95 on 8 July 1976, he had been a Catholic priest for 72 years. Coadjutor-Bishop of Auckland from 1920 to 1929 and bishop in his own right from 1929 to 1970, he was the leader of New Zealand'’s most populous Catholic diocese for half a century, and was the recipient of many New Zealand and international honours.

Nicholas Reid’'s biography gives a full account of Liston'’s work within the New Zealand church, and his huge contribution to its development.

It also pays frank and fascinating attention to the controversial aspects of his career. The first of these is his early commitment to the cause of Irish independence, and his trial for sedition in 1922.

The second is the tension that arose around his conservative opinions and personal style towards the end of his very long career, when, as Michael King wrote, ‘Liston'’s growing conservatism and “creeping infallibility” imposed stress on his colleagues and the priests of his diocese’.

Named one of the Listener's Best Books 2006

'It'’s a fascinating, intelligent and well-written example of religious scholarship at its best…. This fine work makes clear… Liston is a major figure in New Zealand history, not just a major figure within Catholic history; his influence extended into the worlds of politics, education and public culture….' —Mike Grimshaw LISTENER

'A convincing portrait of an often disliked man who had his tender moments, and who, after political gaffes in the 20s, settled down to become a competent, respected leader.' —Gavin McLean DOMINION POST

'A superbly crafted picture of a complex personality.' —Ged Martin THE ROUND TABLE (England)

'To read this excellent biography is to see unfolding for the first time the full life of this remarkable man.' —Des McCarthy Tui Motu

'Highly informative and very readable….' —Bernie Hehir WEL-COM

'It is lucid, objective, comprehensive and impartial in its presentation of a remarkable personality and a worthy pastor.' —Bishop John Mackey NZ Catholic

Nicholas Reid has taught history in secondary schools and is currently a teaching fellow at the University of Otago. He was the Stout Research Centre Fellow in 2004, and is well known as a book and film reviewer.