South West of Eden: A Memoir 1932-1956

From his?birth in 1932 to his first departure from?New Zealand in 1956, this "autobiopsy" chronicles C. K. Stead's first 23 years,?casting?a critical eye and a novelist's voice over?the author's?own life. From running wild as a boy in Cornwall Park?and joining the Labour Party?at age seven to?falling in love with Diane Henderson, a wide range of adventures and experiences are revealed with honesty and the clarity only time can bring. An Auckland native,?Stead here?paints his hometown?as a land of myth and symbol, laying claim to his own land and its history.?Using his wonderful flair for language, he brings alive elements of legendary New Zealand literary history, such as his early friendships with celebrated writers Frank Sargeson and Janet Frame. Speaking out directly for the first time about his life?after once promising to never write an autobiography?Stead has here composed a truly inspired memoir, wonderfully illuminating the early beginnings of his own time and place in New Zealand history.

C. K. Stead is a towering figure in New Zealand literature, having gained international acclaim as a novelist, poet, critic, and essayist. He is a professor emeritus of English at the University of Auckland, where he has taught for more than 20 years, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Winner of numerous awards and honors?such as?the prestigious CNZ Michael King Fellowship in 2005?he is the author of?many works, including Book Self, Collected Poems: 1951?2006, The New Poetic, and Smith's Dream.