Charles Brasch Journals 1958-1973

Explore the depths of New Zealand's literary landscape with 'Charles Brasch Journals 1958-1973'. This meticulously published hardback edition, measuring 170 x 245 mm, contains 694 pages of compelling insights into the life of one of New Zealand's foremost cultural figures. As the editor of Landfall, the country's leading cultural quarterly, Charles Brasch transformed the literary community while maintaining a profoundly private existence. This volume chronicles Brasch's journey from age 48 until his passing at 64, revealing his dual roles as a prominent editor and an introspective poet. Readers will uncover his connections with celebrated New Zealand luminaries such as Sargeson, McCahon, and Frame, who shaped the cultural landscape of the era. Dive into Brasch's thoughts on art, life, and his emotional experiences, detailing the complexities of his friendships and romantic relationships. This detailed account also highlights his philanthropic contributions, including establishing the Burns, Hodgkins, and Mozart Fellowships, proving his lasting impact on New Zealand's arts community. The 'Charles Brasch Journals 1958-1973' offers invaluable insights for students and scholars interested in New Zealand literature and culture. Discover a nuanced portrayal of Brasch’s private struggles and accomplishments in this essential addition to literary collections.

Author: Charles Brasch Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 170 x 245 mm
Pages: 694
Publication Date: 20-04-2018

This third and final volume of Charles Brasch’s compelling private journals covers the years from when he was 48 to his death at 64. By the 1960s, Brasch, though very private by temperament, was a reluctant public figure, especially as editor of Landfall - indisputably the country’s leading cultural quarterly (he eventually quit as editor after 20 years). He was also becoming a highly regarded poet, with eventually six books (one posthumous) to his name. Behind the scenes Brasch was increasingly important as an art collector and as patron and benefactor; the Burns, Hodgkins and Mozart Fellowships - for writers, artists and composers respectively - which he helped anonymously to found and fund, all began in this period. Among his friends Brasch counted most of the country’s leading artists, writers and intellectuals including Sargeson, McCahon, McCormick, Stead, the Pauls, the Woollastons, the Baxters, Lilburn, Beaglehole, Angus, Oliver, Bensemann, Lusk, Frame and Dallas. These near contemporaries were joined by the talented young, many met as contributors to Landfall - including Gee, Cross, Shadbolt, Duggan, O’Sullivan, Hotere, Tuwhare, Caselberg, Middleton and Manhire. Brasch’s lively and sometimes acerbic accounts of such people are a fascinating aspect of his journals. Behind the esteemed poet, editor and public intellectual, however, was a sensitive and often angst-ridden man, who confided to his journals (and poems) the emotional roller-coaster of his private life, especially his endlessly frustrated search for love. Presented here are deep attachments to both men and women, including Andrew Packard (a visiting English zoologist) and Margaret Scott, widow of Harry Scott with whom Brasch had also been in love. Late in life his strong involvement with an elderly Jewish émigrée, Moli Zimmerman, adds another surprising layer to the complex and lovable man his journals reveal. Brasch’s journals will change forever the perception and understanding of an outstanding New Zealander and of the era to which he contributed so much.