Own Writings
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Brasch produced six volumes of verse, numerous miscellaneous pieces such as Present Company, Reflection on the Arts (1966) and a history titled Hallensteins - the First Century, 1873-1973 (1973). There was also his work as editor of the quarterly Landfall. He was about nine and at Henley-on-Taieri when he wrote his first poems on the subject of briar roses. The Land and the people was his first volume of verse, handset in Gill Perpetua type and published by Caxton Press in an edition of 100 copies. Among the 21 poems, there are 'The Shape of Darkness' and 'Waianakarua'; the last dedicated to Winsome Milner. |
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Charles Brasch, "The land and the people and other poems", Christchurch: The Caxton Press, 1939. |
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Brasch was a meticulous man and the daily entries in his many journals reflect this attribute. He was also honest and this quality is also reflected in them. Here in his tight, legible hand are the entries for early September 1957, when he had just arrived back from overseas. Note the party on the 9th with Eric McCormick, the McCahons, Frank Sargeson, Kendrick Smithyman and Bill Pearson in attendance. May 1957. |
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Journal, May 1957. Brasch Papers, MS 996- 9/25 |
In the 1960s, the New Zealand Listener ran a column called 'In My View' to which Brasch contributed. On display are handwritten and typed sheets on his thoughts on language and free speech. There is also a draft copy of his 'view' on the patronage of artists, including the final printed copy. Such a topic is appropriate for one who was also a most generous patron.
Indirections is Charles Brasch's autobiography, prose 'recollections that I was not able to shape into poems.' It finishes at 1947, two years after his return from England, one year after the death of his grandfather (to whom it is dedicated), and the year he started Landfall. James Bertram, Brasch's friend from Waitaki High days, edited and prepared the text for publication.
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