Navigating the Seas of Knowledge
An academic odyssey through French exploration, New Zealand history, and literary pursuits.
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Biography
European Origins
Born in Trouville-sur-Mer, France, on August 6, 1923, John Dunmore experienced the German occupation of Jersey during World War II. His early academic pursuits led him to earn a BA from the University of London before embarking on a new chapter.
Pacific Scholarly Voyage
Emigrating to New Zealand in 1950, Dunmore pursued advanced studies. He completed his PhD at Victoria University of Wellington in 1962, focusing his historical research on the significant French contributions to the exploration of the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century.
Academic Leadership
Dunmore held distinguished positions at Massey University, serving as Professor of French, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, and Dean of Humanities. He retired from Massey University in 1985, leaving a legacy of scholarship and academic leadership.
Pioneering Pacific Exploration Research
Illuminating French Navigators
Dunmore's primary historical focus was the exploration of the Pacific, with a particular emphasis on the voyages of French navigators. His meticulous research brought to light the crucial, often overlooked, French role in charting and understanding this vast region.
Rediscovering Lost Journals
A significant achievement was his rediscovery and subsequent translation and editing of the journals of Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse. These vital historical documents had been misfiled within the French National Archives, and Dunmore's work made them accessible to a wider audience.
Esteemed Recognition
His biographical work on Jean de Surville, The fateful voyage of the St. Jean Baptiste, earned him the prestigious Wattie Book of the Year award in 1970. Scholars lauded his ability to illuminate the achievements of 18th and 19th-century French explorers, noting his "stunning and elegantly written" biographies.
Literary and Publishing Ventures
Diverse Literary Contributions
Beyond his historical scholarship, Dunmore explored various literary avenues. He authored plays, served in leadership roles within the Playwrights Association of New Zealand, and even penned a history of the association. His creative output extended to thrillers published under the pseudonym "Jason Calder."
Culinary and Historical Anthologies
Dunmore also delved into more unique historical compilations, such as Mrs Cook's book of recipes for mariners in distant seas, drawing from the logs of historical explorers. His academic work also included anthologies of French scientific prose.
Founding Publishing Houses
In 1969, Dunmore established the Dunmore Press, which became a significant New Zealand publisher of academic works. He later founded Heritage Press in 1985. The Dunmore Press eventually became part of the Thomson publishing group, marking a substantial contribution to New Zealand's publishing industry.
Distinguished Honours and Awards
New Zealand Recognition
Dunmore received significant recognition within New Zealand. He was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and, in the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours, was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his services to literature and historical research.
French Accolades
His deep connection to French culture and history was acknowledged through prestigious French honours. He was appointed Chevalier dans la Légion d'honneur in 1976 and Officier des Palmes académiques in 1986. In 2007, he was promoted to Officier de la Légion d'honneur, a rank held by few New Zealanders.
Academic Distinction
Massey University honoured him with an honorary DLitt degree in 2006. Furthermore, scholars celebrated his contributions with a Festschrift titled Pacific journeys: Essays in honour of John Dunmore. The Dunmore Medal, awarded for research into French achievements in the Pacific, bears his name.
Selected Works
Biographies
Dunmore authored comprehensive biographies, shedding light on historical figures and events.
Edited Journals
He meticulously edited and translated the journals of key explorers, making primary sources accessible.
Historical Works
His broader historical works cover diverse topics from Pacific history to the evolution of theatre.
Fiction (as Jason Calder)
Under the pseudonym Jason Calder, Dunmore penned several engaging thrillers.
Other Notable Works
His diverse interests also led to unique publications, including a historical cookbook and his autobiography.
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References
References
- CCS â Book Reviews Part 9
- Review by Samuel Clyde McCulloch in The Journal of Modern History, Vol. 43, No. 3 (September 1971), p. 518.
- Cengage Imprints
- M. Brewer, 'New Zealand and the Legion d'honneur: Officiers, Commandeurs and Dignites', The Volunteers: The Journal of the New Zealand Military Historical Society, 35(3), March 2010, pp.131â147.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional historical research, literary analysis, or academic consultation. Always consult primary sources and academic experts for in-depth study.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.