The Donald Friend Diaries

Chronicles and Confessions of an Australian Artist

By: Ian Britain

Write A Review

Paperback | 27 September 2010 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
496 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
3.9 x 15.7 x 23.5

Paperback

RRP $39.95

$35.75

11%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $8.94 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

At age fourteen, Donald Friend declared: 'Have done quite a lot of painting lately, and have made up my mind that I shall be an artist. And I shall be famous!'

Friend achieved his aim. He also left behind more than two million words of brilliant, intimate diary entries—one of the greatest acts of autobiography in Australian history. This is the first single-volume selection of these writings and includes material from the two 'lost' wartime diaries recently unearthed in America by Ian Britain, along with handsome sketches by Friend.

Everyone is here: Russell Drysdale, Margaret Olley, Jeffrey Smart, Robert Helpmann, Barry Humphries and Robert Hughes, Mick Jagger and Gore Vidal. Friend's frank and often acerbic reflections trace his career, acquaintances and love affairs—in

Australia, England, Italy, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bali—as well as many of the notable characters and events of the twentieth century.

Most of all, the diaries attest to his ceaseless desire to understand and master his art. 'Neither love, food, writing, money or music, nor flattery nor sincere admiration nor the company of friends (all the things I am most partial to),' Friend wrote, 'could seduce me from my painting.' Reworked into a chronological narrative, and supplemented by material from correspondence and interviews, The Donald Friend Diaries reveal an extraordinary Australian life.

Industry Reviews

'This is a remarkable historical document (with cameos from Mick Jagger and Gore Vidal, among numerous others) that charts an extraordinary life. Friend's striking prose and obvious love of language, frank observations and acerbic wit make this a delight to read...This is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in Australian art, literature and history.' * Australian Bookseller & Publisher *

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.