South-west of Eden : a memoir 1932-1956 / C.K. Stead.

Includes bibliographical references.

Close to the sky. Tamaki of many lovers, and Jack -- Digging for victory -- Tusitala to Standard Two -- Two and two halves to town -- With the tongues of men and angels -- Karlson the recorder -- Real Pig Islander -- Short history of things that didn't happen -- Their secret ways. Lived by history -- Two ducks on a pond and a life inscription -- New affluence, and poetry -- Les, Herbie and Hedgie, Barry, Jean and Vida -- Goodbye Labour and goodbye Jean -- Marriage, a death, a birth, and the Hall of Distinction -- From far dark worlds. 151 days and a generic for hemlock -- Pains of love and war -- Queen and some other young women -- Purple tie, the wee narcissus, and the wedding -- Annus mirabilis...and so on -- Frank and Janet and Karl and Kay -- All visitors ashore.

In this book, a coming of age memoir by New Zealand's leading poet, novelist and critic writes of a life lived by history. Running wild in Cornwall Park, joining the labour party aged seven and discovering poetry in a third form English class.