Charles Brasch Journals 1938-45

Discover the insightful and intimate world of Charles Brasch's journals, written from 1938 to 1945 during a turbulent time in history. Dive into the mind of a young New Zealander grappling with profound questions about life, identity, and purpose while navigating the challenges of World War II in London. This meticulously compiled hardback edition from Otago University Press encompasses 648 pages that chronicle Brasch's reflections, fears, and aspirations as he wrestles with complex issues such as pacifism, love, and creativity. Each entry offers readers an authentic glimpse into the lives of those around him—conscientious objectors, fellow writers, and artists—all contributing to a rich tapestry of narrative and historical context. The elegant dimensions of 170 x 245 mm make it a striking addition to your bookshelf, perfect for both literary enthusiasts and historians alike. As Brasch contemplates his return to New Zealand, his journey resonates through time, serving not only as a personal account but also as a pivotal moment in New Zealand's literary heritage. Embrace the opportunity to explore the life of one of New Zealand's foundational literary figures and gain valuable insights into a transformative period of history with 'Charles Brasch Journals 1938-45.'

Author: Charles Brasch Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 170 x 245 mm
Pages: 648
Publication Date: 15-10-2013

For most of his adult life, Charles Brasch’s most intimate companion was his diary. In these journals, written in London during the Second World War, he is a young man searching for answers. Is he a pacifist? Should he join the army? Is he homosexual? Should he marry? Should he return home to New Zealand when the war ends? Are his poems any good? Some questions are resolved in the course of the journals, others not, but it all makes compelling reading. So, too, do the people we meet in these pages: kith and kin, conscientious objectors, civil servants working at Bletchley Park (as Brasch was to), members of the Adelphi Players, fellow fire wardens, refugees from Europe, and artists and writers both English and Kiwi. As Rachel Barrowman writes in her introductory essay, on his return home Brasch was to hold ‘a central place in New Zealand literary life for two decades’, as founder of Landfall, and as patron, mentor and writer. In these splendid journals, he prepares for that role.



I have to think about my return to NZ & the possibility of living there; the thought of it haunts me, part vision, part nightmare … Charles Brasch, 21.6.42