Bringing Papua New Guinea's story to every classroom

A Comprehensive History for Papua New Guinea

A History of Papua New Guinea from Prehistory to Independence distils nearly two decades of research into 635 pages that trace the nation’s story up to independence in 1975. Written by long-time educator and historian Eric Johns and privately published by Chris Roering in 2025, the book is already recognised by PNG academics and teachers as a vital resource for classrooms and libraries.

Inside the pages

The Author: Eric Johns

Eric Johns taught in Papua New Guinea high schools and at the Port Moresby Teachers College from 1960 to 1972 before returning to Canberra, where he continued to write extensively about PNG history. His earlier publications include the Famous People of PNG series and the two-volume PNG History Through Stories—both still recommended in the PNG education syllabus. Over the years his work has become a touchstone for educators seeking accurate, accessible accounts of the country’s past.

A Publishing Partnership Years in the Making

Eric began drafting this history in 2006 while staying in close contact with Chris Roering, a veteran publisher whose career spans Oxford University Press and Pearson Education. Even after Pearson stepped back from funding PNG titles, Chris encouraged Eric to keep writing and pledged to help bring the manuscript to life.

Their goal was to launch the book in time for PNG’s 50th independence celebrations. Funding proposals were sent to publishers, businesses, embassies, and grant programs. Despite strong testimonials, the responses were mostly silent or negative. One bright moment came when the Australian High Commission in PNG considered supporting the project, but the request was ultimately declined because it did not originate from PNG government officials.

The People Behind the Book

Eric Johns

Author

Taught in Papua New Guinea from 1960–1972, including at Port Moresby Teachers College. After returning to Australia he wrote widely used PNG history readers and topic booklets. Over nearly two decades he researched and wrote A History of Papua New Guinea from Prehistory to Independence, crafted to be comprehensive and readable for students and general readers.

Chris Roering

Publisher & Production

Long‑time publisher for Melanesia who championed Eric’s earlier books. When traditional support fell through, Chris coordinated editing and design and funded a short initial print run so the project could be shared with reviewers and potential partners.

Keimelo Gima

Lecturer, UPNG

Historian at the University of Papua New Guinea and reader of the manuscript. He highlights the book’s role in filling gaps in unwritten national history and recommends it as a resource for teaching PNG history.

A track record of trusted resources

• PNG History Through Stories (Books I & II), regarded as core classroom texts in PNG. More on the series.
• Nine titles in the series Famous People of Papua New Guinea, documenting groundbreakers from across the country.

PNG History Through Stories

Book One: Origins to Independence

Designed as a workbook, Papua New Guinea History through Stories: Book 1 introduces students to the nation’s past from prehistory to 1975. Each story highlights formative events and inspiring figures, with activities that invite students to question, analyse, and discover more about PNG’s heritage.

Book Two: People, Politics, and Change

Papua New Guinea History Through Stories: Book 2 continues the journey with accounts of cultural leaders, pioneering politicians, wartime heroes, and key events—from early 1900s resistance movements to the Torres Strait border agreement. Illustrations and guided exercises help students connect personally with each narrative.

Famous People of PNG series

Our aim

Place an authoritative, engaging history of PNG in secondary schools, universities and libraries—especially timely for the 50th anniversary of independence.