Minitudes : Diaries 1974-1997

Moving and often comic, Minitudes is an addictive reading experience. Barry Oakley records not only the social, literary and theatrical life around him, but his intimate domestic world, including a traumatic period of separation from his wife Carmel.

These gossipy, astute and always marvellously entertaining diaries are peopled by such well-known figures as David Williamson, Peter Carey, Max Gillies and Dorothy Hewett. They represent the experience and consciousness of a significant Australian writer and the cultural life of his country during a period of enormous energy and change. Minitudes is a great Australian autobiography.

Praise for Minitudes:

'While his wit and character analyses could be lacerating, they were seldom fatal. And the jocularity of manner disguised his deep knowledge of the art-world's incestuous entanglements, a true love of language and a determination to maintain—and fight for—high standards.'

Weekend Australian