Peter has written many books on New Zealand's leading creative authors, writers, painters and musicians. His most recent recognition was the 2017 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in honour of his non-fiction. In this interview we talk about his work as an editor, writer, critic, curator and former academic in New Zealand and Canada. We also talk about his memories of growing up just after World War II, the thriving literary scene in Christchurch between 1933 and 1953, his life as an academic as well as a period as a Member of Parliament for Lyttelton, his friendship and memories of the poet Allen Curnow, and what he likes about collecting books.

http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/writer/simpson-peter

About Bloomsbury South: http://www.press.auckland.ac.nz/en/browse-books/all-books/books-2016/bloomsbury-south.html

Allen Curnow tribute site (run by Steven Moe): www.allencurnow.com