Just published a new Extracts on Substack: Claude at Bennington, June 1982—teaching Dante’s Paradiso, hosting his end-of-term feast, and navigating a moment of deep personal and institutional change. ‘I let only Dante’s voice be heard.’
#ClaudeFredericks #BenningtonCollege #Dante #LiteraryArchives
Meditation in the morning, confrontation at night. 🌿
In August 1968, Claude attended a gathering at Bernard Malamud’s home—where tensions surfaced in an unforgettable exchange. First in a new series on Claude’s years at Bennington.
#claudefredericks #journals #diaries #memoir #bennington #1960s
Just published: Claude Fredericks’ 1966 Kyoto journal—the moment Japan changed his life. Living in a Zen temple, studying sutras, yet moving through Kyoto’s cafés & gay circles, he found transformation. 🌿
‘… I thought the feeling would pass. It only grows …’
#claudefredericks
#journals
#substack
In September 2001, Claude & I were living quietly in Vermont—reading, meditating, listening to Bach. Then, suddenly, the world outside forced its way in.
Claude turned to his journal, grappling with history in motion.
For the first time, I’m sharing those pages - from September 12–25, 2001.
🌿
In June 2000, a hate-driven attack shattered the quiet life Claude & I had built in Vermont. His journal captures the fear, but also love, resilience, and the will to carry on.
#claudefredericks #gayhistory #vermont #lgbtq #diaries #diary #journal #journals #writingcommunity #substack
‘. . .Your journals have the texture of life itself, of life actually lived, and in this respect they are like nothing I’ve ever read or indeed nothing else that exists. You have done something extraordinary.’
—Donna Tartt, from a letter to CF, 7 May 2012
Rome, April 2005 🌿
Tuesday 26 April, at 11.30, for an hour at least. Il giorno dopo la festa—o, in verità, le feste, le molte feste di questi giorni….
Read more on EXTRACTS.
For the first time, I’m sharing Claude’s journal entries where he & I are the focus. 🌿
In April 2005, we spent three unforgettable weeks in Rome, exploring its beauty and deepening our connection.
#claudefredericks #rome #loveandmemory #journals #diaries #substack #relationships #artandculture
Claude in Rome, 1951 🌿
Claude’s journals bring post-war Rome to life: love, art, and a vibrant cultural scene. Writing from his Spanish Steps apartment, he reflects on relationships with James Merrill, Robert Isaacson & more.
#claudefredericks #diaries #journals #rome #rome1950s #literaryhistory
Step into 1950s Paris with Claude Fredericks: Encounters with Alice B. Toklas, letters to James Merrill, and the vibrant cultural life of the city. 🌟 A window into love, art, & literary legacy.
#claudefredericks #paris #alicebtoklas #jamesmerrill #literaryhistory #diaries #journals #writerslife
Now on Extracts: Claude Fredericks’ Mallorcan diary (1950–51) ✨ A season of beauty & complexity with poet James Merrill unfolds amid the almond blossoms & coastlines of Mallorca. 🌿 Explore their creative partnership & tensions.
#claudefredericks #diaries #jamesmerrill #poetry #mallorca #writerslife
Excited to launch Extracts! 🌟 Sharing the extraordinary diaries of my late husband, Claude Fredericks (1923–2013)—spanning decades of reflection, love & creativity. Explore his unique legacy. ✨
#claudefredericks #literaryhistory #writerscommunity #memoirs #journals #diary #diaries #memoir #substack