'Out of time': annotated correspondence to Eileen Duggan from three significant critics

Abstract

This thesis presents an annotated edition of the correspondence to Eileen Duggan, from Alan Mulgan, Charles Marris, and John Schroeder who interacted with her throughout her most productive years (1920 to 1950) There are 36 letters from Mulgan, 47 letters from Marris and 20 letters from Schroeder to Eileen Duggan, all of which are held in the Catholic Archives in Wellington and are easily accessible to approved researchers. The presentation of a readable and accurate collection of the letters, with annotations, which place in context the information recorded in the letters, should help contribute to the development of a greater appreciation of the work of one of New Zealand's finest poets, and to an increased understanding of the influences and circumstances that surrounded the production of that poetry. By setting the letters in context the thesis will provide a brief history of the relationships between Duggan and her contemporaries, and an insight into the publishing climate in Wellington and Christchurch during this period. It will also endeavour to evaluate some of the critical responses to Duggan's work, and offer a brief commentary on Duggan's poetry in relation to the concerns and interests expressed in the letters.