This is a biography of one of New Zealand's most colourful, persuasive politicians. When James Macandrew arrived in 1851, other settlers were impressed by his enthusiasm for new initiatives. With his finger in a lot of commercial pies, he made himself a handsome income that he eventually lost, declaring bankruptcy and ending up temporarily in a debtors' prison. He later threw himself into politics. This is the story of a Victorian settler who was a devoted family man, a staunch Presbyterian, and a consummate politician. Macandrew made plenty of enemies and has been severely judged by history. This re-examination of his life reveals a man who both inspired and infuriated the citizens of New Zealand for decades.