Book Self: The Reader as Writer and the Writer as Critic [Paperback]

C. K. Stead (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1869404122 | ISBN-13: 978-1869404123 | Publication Date: July 1, 2008

A sequel to the successful books Kin of Place and The Writer at Work, this collection of critical writing takes the reader on a personal journey from the author’s earliest discovery of poetry as a young man to his latest experiences on the literary trail. This trip through literary history involves many writers, including Katherine Mansfield, T. S. Eliot, Michael King, and Elizabeth Knox. The book also includes a series of journal extracts that allow readers to get closer to the mind of the writer, his strong personal views about other writers, and his deep commitment to the role of criticism in literary life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The poetry criticism is first rate. . . . His journal entries . . . provide a valuable behind-the-scenes take on the international literary festival circuit."  —Sydney Morning Herald

"It is the story of 'love it or hate it' . . . a remarkably interesting New Zealand mind."  —New Zealand Listener

"The fascination of autofiction should not distract from the range of critical and autobiographical pleasures to be found in this book."  —The Warwick Review

About the Author

C. K. Stead is a leading figure in New Zealand literature. He is the author of The Black River, The New Poetic, The Singing Whakapapa, Visitors Ashor, and Yeats to Eliot. His novel, Smith’s Dream, won a Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Award and was later adapted as the film Sleeping Dogs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Auckland University Press (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1869404122
• ISBN-13: 978-1869404123
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,534,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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