Publisher's Synopsis
This spring's Landfall features conjuror's tricks, uncanny scenes and practical magic from some of New Zealand's best artists and writers. Poets James Norcliffe, Shannon Welch and Janet Charman focus on some very different kinds of disappearing act. Bill Manhire provides 'performance tips' for aspiring illusionists. And Alison Glenny opens the fascinating history of 'the Surrealist cookbook'. Among this issue's essayists, Gregory O'Brien meditates on Bill Culbert's brand of practical magic, Anthony Byrt delves into New Zealand Gothic, and Alex Calder wonders about cannibals. In the art portfolios Seraphine Pick paints three-legged-men and tattooed ladies, while photographer Ben Cauchi presents some 'scenes from the quiet room'. Alongside all this, there is Landfall's usual range of thoughtful and provocative reviews, including Philip Armstrong's major account of the state of Pacific writing, Ian Wedde on Colin McCahon, and a skeptical take ('holy sea cow') on The Whale Rider. Landfall is published by University of Otago Press.;Its release coincides with the publication of Enduring Legacy: Charles Brasch, Patron, Poet & Collector which reassesses the life and work of Landfall's founding editor.
