In Conversation with Lance Richardson

Step inside the writer’s world with State Library Victoria’s Beyond the Page series. Over three evenings, hear from incredible storytellers as they delve into their latest work and discuss their creative process

Australian author Lance Richardson will discuss his new biography True Nature: The Lives of Peter Matthiessen, an eight-year project that saw Lance awarded with the Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship.

Peter Matthiessen was a towering figure of twentieth-century American literature. He was also an undercover agent for the fledgling CIA; an environmental activist; an advocate for Native American rights; friends with the likes of Truman Capote and William Styron; and a daring explorer who visited every continent on Earth. Discover the many lives of Matthiessen in this page-turning biography.

Hear the inspiration behind Richardson’s latest work, how he trekked across the Himalayas to write this biography — an expedition that nearly cost him his life — and how he conducted hundreds of interviews over the course of eight years.

Concluding the evening will be an audience Q&A. Your opportunity to ask about the most challenging aspects of capturing Matthiessen's extraordinary, multifaceted life and the unique insights Lance Richardson gained along the way.

Book your tickets now.

Doors will open from 6.30pm. Drinks will be available to purchase on the night.

Copies of Lance’s books will be able to purchase from Readings at the event.

This event will be livestreamed.

Presented by State Library Victoria with the Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship.

About Lance Richardson

Lance Richardson’s new book, True Nature: The Lives of Peter Matthiessen, was published in October 2025 to international acclaim. The Washington Post called it ‘one of the most notable books of the year’. His previous book, House of Nutter: The Rebel Tailor of Savile Row, was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and named one of the notable titles of 2018 by The Sunday Times, The Mail on Sunday, Esquire and the American Library Association. He has been awarded numerous awards and fellowships, including a year-long residency at the New York Public Library’s Cullman Center. He currently teaches in the MFA Writing program at Bennington College, Vermont in the USA.

Booking information

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