Originally published in 1977, this study is both a sympathetic insight into the Nobel Prize winning author Patrick White and his work and also a guidebook and map to one of the most complicated and significant bodies of work in 20th century literature. Along with creative energy the qualities of largeness and uninhibited confidence are present in all White’s major works and in particular the group which includes The Tree of Man, Voss, Riders in the Chariot, The Solid Mandala, The Vivisector, The Eye of the Storm and A Fringe of Leaves. The use of language bears the indelible stamp of the writer’s personality and domination of the material to the extent of ignoring many common formalities of language and syntax and making frequent and prolonged use of metaphor to sustain and enrich the narrative. These very strengths ensure that White will never be an easy writer, making this invaluable book essential for the student.
