GARRICK TREMAIN: This Is It Then

This book is a delight. Not only an artist, a cartoonist, a golfer, horse-racer, musician and poet, Garrick Tremain IS a writer. For readers of a similar vintage, especially those who did overly-ambitious, occasionally reckless OEs in the heady days of James Michener novels, there is much to relate to; who eventually returned to a somewhat conformist country that nevertheless grasped humour without reservation and always yearned to bust out.

Garrick wasn't alone and he stokes the memories of the like-minded.

I've read this book and was enthralled. But I'll let the blurb speak:

"From farm sheds to art galleries, from shipwrecks and sketchbooks to the pages of the daily news, Garrick Tremain has lived a life as colourful as his watercolour paintings.

In This Is It Then, the celebrated New Zealand artist and political cartoonist reflects on a lifetime of adventure - from horseback escapades and extensive world travels, to a distinguished career in art and an enduring love story with his wife Jill.

Told with Tremain's trademark wit, sharp eye, and irreverent humour, this is an honest, richly detailed journey through decades of creativity, controversy, laughter and loss - the full canvas of a life well-lived."

And if you needed a bonus, there are pages of colour plates of Garrick's favourite watercolours and cartoons.

Garrick did Bassett, Brash and Hide an immense favour in allowing the publication of his cartoons post official 'retirement'. Their brilliance never diminished.

We owe you Garrick.

You can buy a copy of Garrick's book here.