Wednesday, November 16, 2016

R.I.P James McNeish

Press Release from Harper Collins NZ
 
Sir James McNeish, one of New Zealand's greatest writers passed away on Friday 11 November.

Born in 1931, Sir James was the author of nine novels, 14 works of non-fiction, four plays and numerous articles and essays. Many of his books became classics: Lovelock (nominated for the Booker Prize), Dance of the Peacocks and his psychological investigation of the Bain murders, The Mask of Sanity (1997).  Over the years, he was awarded most of the major New Zealand writing prizes and fellowships, and was a made a Knight Companion in 2010 for services to literature.

A tireless and committed author right to the end, James was working on a new book for HarperCollins New Zealand.  He delivered the final pages to his publisher, Alex Hedley, last week.  'James McNeish was a great man of New Zealand letters and it was a privilege to be working on what will be his last book,' said Hedley.

Breaking Ranks is the true story of three New Zealanders who defied convention and stood up for what they believed in.  'New Zealand seems to have the knack of neutralising those who try to foist moral greatness on their countrymen,' James McNeish wrote.  Breaking Ranks will be published in April 2017.

The publisher and staff at HarperCollins Publishers offer their condolences and support to Sir James's wife, Lady McNeish and his family.

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