Children of the Sun (book)

Children of the Sun

Author	Morris West
Language	English
Genre	non fiction
Publisher	1957
Publication place	Australia
Media type	Print

Children of the Sun is a 1957 non-fiction book by Morris West, an investigation into the slums of post-war Naples. It was his first international success.[1] The US title was Children of the Shadows: The True Story of the Street Urchins of Naples.[2]

The book was a best seller in Europe and England and marked a turning point in the career of West. The Sydney Morning Herald said "with this work, West not only found his way as a writer but discovered the theme that would underpin almost all of his subsequent books — the nature and misuse of power. Of the 18 novels he was to write post-1957, 15 are on this subject."[3]

Background

West researched the book over six months in Naples, meeting Father Borrelli who worked with the street boys of Naples.[4]

TV Adaptation

In 1959 it was announced the show would be adapted for the Australian anthology series Shell Presents.[5]

It was adapted for ITV anthology television series ITV Television Playhouse in 1961.[6]

References

1. "WRITERS' WORLD". The Canberra Times. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 20 August 1983. p. 12. Retrieved 8 April 2020 – via Trove.
2. Doubleday & Co, 1957
3. Missen, Mollie (February 20, 1993). "A master storyteller signs off". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 44.
4. "On Broadway, he yearns for Australia". The Australian Women's Weekly. Australia. 12 April 1961. p. 65. Retrieved 8 April 2020 – via Trove.
5. "AUSTRALIAN TV DRAMA SERIES". The Biz. New South Wales, Australia. 25 March 1959. p. 26. Retrieved 8 April 2020 – via Trove.
6. "Film Purchases Overseas". The Canberra Times. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 30 August 1963. Retrieved 8 April 2020.