Monday, May 18, 2009

Leading Pacific writer and artist receives Honorary Doctorate

Further to my May 4 post Albert Wendt was awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Saturday by the University of Hawai’i for his extensive contribution to Pacific literature and art.

The honour comes soon after Wendt put the finishing touches on his latest novel The Adventures of Vela, (Huia), to be released next month in Auckland.
Apia-born Wendt describes the novel as a Pacific epic inspired by the storytelling and poetry from Western traditions and his own Samoan roots.
It is a compliment and tribute to all the poets and storytellers who have influenced my work and life,” he reveals.

Written entirely in verse, The Adventures of Vela follows the journey of an immortal Samoan song-maker, poet and chronicler who lives for 300 years.

His contributions to Pacific literature include four collections of poetry, four collections of short stories, a play and numerous anthologies, spanning more than 30 years. Many of these works have been translated and are recommended study texts for creative writing courses worldwide.

Chancellor of the University of Hawai’i Virginia Hinshaw commended Wendt on his recent award in a press release by the university.
The passionate fire behind Professor Wendt’s work, accomplishments and contributions to the literary world has been fueled by his extensive literary knowledge of the Pacific.”

And here is a blog report from one of his former University of Hawai'i colleagues.

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