Whether the Will Is Free: Poems 1954-62

poetry by Stead

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July 16, 2026

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Whether the Will Is Free: Poems 1954–62 is a poetry collection by C.K. Stead, published in 1964. The collection was published after Stead studied at the University of Auckland and the University of Bristol, and while he was teaching at the University of Auckland. Stead is a New Zealand poet and novelist, also known for his critical work on Modernist poetry. His poetry often reflects on contemporary events, such as the Vietnam War, and explores themes of inhumanity and irresponsibility. Other poetry collections by Stead include Crossing the Bar, Quesada, Paris, Between, Voices, Straw into Gold, The Right Thing, The Red Tram, The Black River, and The Yellow Buoy.1

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C.K. Stead
His first book of poetry, Whether the Will Is Free: Poems 1954–62, was published in 1964. In his second collection, Crossing the Bar (1972), he was moved by the Vietnam War to protest against the inhumanity and irresponsibility of people in power. His later poetry collections include Quesada: Poems 1972–1974…
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His first book of poetry, Whether the Will Is Free: Poems 1954–62, was published in 1964. In his second collection, Crossing the Bar (1972), he was moved by the Vietnam War to protest against the inhumanity and irresponsibility of people in power. His later poetry collections include Quesada: Poems 1972–1974…
Read More