Wellington has always boasted a strong literary tradition, from its most famous daughter, Katherine Mansfield, to the richly talented young writers who have graduated from Victoria University's creative writing class in recent years. In this impressive collection of short stories, poetry and extracts from novels and memoirs, Kate Camp captures the character of a unique city. Her anthology encompasses excerpts from novels as diverse as those by Robin Hyde, Damien Wilkins and Noel Virtue, short stories by William Brandt, Patricia Grace and Samara McDowell, and a special appearance by Carmen. The city that emerges is a passionate and vibrant place. Wellington is 'like a beautiful, moody lover,' Kate Camp says in her introduction, 'at least you know you're alive.' The 'Our City' series offers a new perspective on New Zealand's major cities. Each volume presents a selection of the literature inspired by one of New Zealand's four major cities. Chosen with care by a well-known editor from each city, the selections include short stories, poems, and extracts from novels and writers' memoirs. Each contributor, whether contemporary or historical, has a strong association with the city concerned, and every selection has something significant to say about the character of the city. Together they create a vivid picture of what makes the city unique.