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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