Building the New Word is a brilliant sequence of essays arising out of a major study of the Dunedin working-class suburb of Caversham at the turn of the century. Olssen discusses a number of important theoretical issues, focusing particularly on the writing of history, the question of class, the role of gender, the nature of work and the growth of the labour movement. Building the New World is an exciting and stimulating book, described as 'a major milestone in New Zealand's social history'. It is well illustrated with black and white photographs and maps and is essential reading for all those interested in New Zealand history.