Peninsula's diverse charm captured in new anthology
Published by Communications and Development
3 September 2008
An anthology of poetry and prose about a region close to the hearts of many Cantabrians has been published by Canterbury University Press.
Land Very Fertile: Banks Peninsula poetry and prose, edited by Coral Atkinson and David Gregory, seeks to capture the spirit of the much-loved area which has long been the source of literary inspiration.
“The anthology offers the Peninsula between covers,” says Coral. “We like to think it's almost better than a weekend at the bach.”
The collection draws on a wide variety of sources, including such New Zealand greats as Ursula Bethell, Denis Glover, James K. Baxter, Ngaio Marsh, Allen Curnow and Maurice Shadbolt, along with many newer voices such as Joe Bennett, Fiona Farrell, Bernadette Hall and James Norcliffe, as well as exciting lesser-known talents. It is a landscape of literature which reflects the location's unique heritage and diverse charm.
The editors, both writers themselves, have strong ties to the special spot on the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. Coral has lived on Banks Peninsula for 26 years, formerly in Sumner and Lyttelton before moving to Governor's Bay, her home for the past 11 years. In addition to living in Governor's Bay for five years, David has worked in the region for quarter of a century in his role as an environmental planner.
Coral believes that hers and David's unique editorial perspective derives from the fact neither was born in New Zealand – Coral was born in Dublin, Ireland, and David in London, England.
“I think people that come as immigrants, like us, often have a special perspective in terms of place. They see the incredible beauty of New Zealand in a fresh way that people who grow up here sometimes don't see or take for granted,” says Coral.
David says their hope is that the book reflects the many ways Banks Peninsula enters the consciousness of its residents and visitors.
The volume is thematically arranged under the headings Beginnings, Places, People, Work, Holidays, Seasons and Weather, and Endings, and each chapter begins with an evocative photograph by former Akaroa GP Martin London.
Land Very Fertile will be launched at Governors Bay Hotel at 6.30pm on Friday 5 September to coincide with The Press Christchurch Writers' Festival.
- Land Very Fertile: Banks Peninsula in poetry and prose, Edited by Coral Atkinson and David Gregory, published by Canterbury University Press, September 2008, RRP NZ$29.95, paperback, 228 x 152 mm, 224pp. ISBN 978-1-877257-63-6. Order this book.
For further information please contact:
Maria De Cort
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Tel: +64 3 364 2072
Fax: +64 3 364 2679
maria.decort@canterbury.ac.nz