The book:
The first major new biography of Katherine Mansfield for more than a quarter of a century is set to hit bookstores in August 2010.

Widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s finest writer, and respected around the world, Katherine Mansfield holds a special place in the hearts of many. In Katherine Mansfield: The Story-teller we get a vivid picture of Mansfield, correcting previous misinterpretations of her illnesses and relationships, and weaving a compelling drama from the detail. The story extends further still, beyond Mansfield’s death, to include the subsequent life of her husband, John Middleton Murry, shedding fascinating new light on the way Murry controversially manipulated the publication of some unpublished work.

Drawing astutely on Mansfield’s own letters and journals and using the present tense throughout, Jones has crafted a text that is sparkling and intimate, providing a new kind of picture of this brilliant writer.

The author:
Kathleen Jones studied law and English literature at university, before specialising in early women writers. Her published work includes a mixture of biography, general non-fiction and two poetry collections. Kathleen has taught creative writing in a number of colleges and universities and is currently a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Kathleen will be in New Zealand for the release and will be hosting talks in:

Christchurch: Friday 10th and Sunday 12th September
Kathleen will be a guest at the Christchurch Writer’s Festival
Friday 10th @ 11.00am Past Lives Session - with Paul Millar & Jeffrey Paparoa Holman
Sunday 12th @ 12.30pm In conversation with Harry Ricketts
Visit www.chchwritersfest.co.nz for more information on the sessions and tickets.