This is an auction for IRIS MURDOCH: A LIFE by Peter J Conradi.

"Novelist and philosopher Murdoch's final years, dimmed by Alzheimer's, were lovingly, daringly chronicled by her husband, John Bayley, in deeply personal testimony that makes Conradi's fluidly interpretational biography all the more welcome for its broader view. Murdoch's literary executor and the author of biographies of Dostoyevsky and Angus Wilson, Conradi explores Murdoch's life in involving detail. An adored only child, she "began writing stories at nine in order to provide herself with imaginary siblings," and she kept writing all through her years at Oxford, Cambridge, and beyond as she chronicled and fictionalized her life's quest to understand goodness in a century Conradi labels "appalling." Steeped in Murdoch's numerous diaries, novels (26), and philosophical writings, Conradi conveys with great aplomb her remarkable magnetism, kindness, genius, and sense of wonder, making palpable the sense that she was, as many attest, a magical being. He unravels her intense and complicated romances, which were as much about art and power as about sexual attraction and love, and explicates the moral questions she grappled with as World War II shattered faith and reason. Conradi's infectious fascination with Murdoch and stirring insights into her work make this a superb cornerstone biography."

• a *** starred *** review in Booklist (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Paperback 2002.

706 pages + photographs.

Near new condition.

The cost of shipping is $5,95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.