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The Donald Friend Diaries
Chronicles & Confessions of an Australian Artist
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The Donald Friend Diaries
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See moreAt age fourteen, Donald Friend declared: "Have done quite a lot of painting lately, and have made up my mind that I shall be an artist. And I shall be famous!" Friend achieved his aim. He also left behind more than two million words of brilliant, intimate diary entries. This is the first single-volume selection of these writings.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
At age fourteen, Donald Friend declared: "Have done quite a lot of painting lately, and have made up my mind that I shall be an artist. And I shall be famous!" Friend achieved his aim. He also left behind more than two million words of brilliant, intimate diary entries – one of the greatest acts of autobiography in Australian history.
This is the first single-volume selection of these writings and includes material from the two 'lost' wartime diaries recently unearthed in America by Ian Britain, along with handsome sketches by Friend. Everyone is here: Russell Drysdale, Margaret Olley, Jeffrey Smart, Robert Helpmann, Barry Humphries, Robert Hughes, Mick Jagger, and Gore Vidal.
Friend's frank and often acerbic reflections trace his career, acquaintances, and love affairs in Australia, England, Italy, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bali, as well as many of the notable characters and events of the twentieth century. Most of all, the diaries attest to his ceaseless desire to understand and master his art.
Reworked into a chronological narrative and supplemented by material from correspondence and interviews, The Donald Friend Diaries reveal an extraordinary Australian life.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The diaries provide an engaging historical insight, with appearances from notable figures, showcasing Donald Friend's vibrant prose and love for language. The candid observations and sharp wit offer a captivating read, serving as an essential reference for those intrigued by Australian art, literature, and history.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781921656705
Publisher: Text Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 September 2010
Country: Australia
Imprint: The Text Publishing Company
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 38.0mm
Width: 157.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 660g
Pages: 496
About the Author
Ian Britain is a former editor of Meanjin and his books include Once an Australian: Journeys with Barry Humphries, Clive James, Germaine Greer and Robert Hughes.
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