Book description
Frank Sargeson is one of New Zealand's best-loved and most important
writers. Besides the ground-breaking short stories, he wrote memoirs,
novels, and plays. He encouraged at least three generations of younger
writers and, for most of his adult life, the famous bach behind the
hedge at 14 Esmonde Road was at the heart of New Zealand's artistic and
literary world. Sargeson was also a prolific letter writer, and this
selection of 500 of the most fascinating ranges over half a century,
from 1927 to 1981. The letters are immensely readable, vividly capturing
his life and times, his milieu and his personality. Frank loved gossip,
could be bitchy and peevish, but also kind, affectionate, funny, ribald,
astute. This collection, selected, edited and annotated by Sarah Shieff,
is a document of extraordinary significance for all those interested in
New Zealand's literary and social history. Sarah Shieff is a senior
lecturer in English in the School of Arts at the University of Waikato.
She has a PhD in English, edits the Journal of New Zealand Literature,
and has published the book Talking Music: Conversations with New Zealand
Musicians (AUP 2002) as well as numerous articles on New Zealand
writing. She brings together and impeccable academic training, a
background in research and a wide knowledge of New Zealand literature.
