The Ballad of Joe Taihape
Book •
Glenn Colquhoun's 'The Ballad of Joe Taihape' is a narrative poem in episodes that mixes rhythm, rhyme and theatricality to explore New Zealand identity, colonisation and cultural icons.
The work features recurring choruses and varied episodes—ranging from satirical encounters with historical figures to visits to an underworld populated by national icons—interwoven with visual art by several New Zealand artists.
Colquhoun uses humour, parody and sonnet forms alongside folk-ballad choruses to create a performative, stageable piece of poetry.
The book is illustrated throughout, giving it a graphic‑novel-like feel and enhancing each episode's tone.
It is suitable for adults and secondary-school readers and lends itself to being read aloud or adapted for performance.
The work features recurring choruses and varied episodes—ranging from satirical encounters with historical figures to visits to an underworld populated by national icons—interwoven with visual art by several New Zealand artists.
Colquhoun uses humour, parody and sonnet forms alongside folk-ballad choruses to create a performative, stageable piece of poetry.
The book is illustrated throughout, giving it a graphic‑novel-like feel and enhancing each episode's tone.
It is suitable for adults and secondary-school readers and lends itself to being read aloud or adapted for performance.
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Sally Batson
Book review: The Ballad of Joe Taihape by Glenn Colquhoun
