Charmian Clift: Selected Essays

During the 1960s, Charmian Clift's essays for the Sydney Morning Herald captivated thousands of readers. For many, Thursday's Herald and its Clift column were essential reading. Passionate, insightful, and warm, Clift's writing left a lasting impression on her audience. When she passed away in 1969, the newspaper was flooded with letters from readers who mourned the loss of "a true friend."

This selection is drawn from the four previously published volumes by HarperCollins: The World of Charmian Clift, Images in Aspic, On Being Alone with Oneself, and Trouble in Lotus Land. The collection has been edited and introduced by Charmian Clift's biographer, Nadia Wheatley.

Clift's essays, which spanned the 1960s, reflected her deep engagement with the social and cultural issues of the time. Her writing was characterized by a remarkable clarity of thought, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine empathy for the human condition. Whether exploring the complexities of relationships, grappling with the challenges of modern life, or offering insights into the natural world, Clift's words resonated with her readers, who found in her a trusted and inspiring voice.

The essays in this collection showcase Clift's remarkable talent as a writer and her unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of the human experience. From poignant reflections on loneliness and the search for meaning to insightful observations on the changing fabric of Australian society, her work continues to captivate and inspire readers.

Nadia Wheatley's new introduction provides valuable context, shedding light on Clift's life and the enduring legacy of her work. Readers will be drawn into the world of this remarkable writer, whose words have the power to touch the heart and challenge the mind.

Whether revisiting Clift's essays or discovering her work for the first time, this collection is a testament to the enduring power of her writing. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the literary and cultural history of Australia, as well as for those who appreciate the art of the essay and the insights that can be gleaned from a writer's profound engagement with the world.

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