AustLit

'There can be little disputing the fact that the growth of Australian literature to its present healthy state is largely due to the encouragement and assistance given to Australian writers by two Sydney firms - Angus & Robertson and The Bulletin. This writer, who has had an interest in Australian writing since he was a youth, and that is a long time ago, is certainly unaware of any other publishing house and periodical which have made a greater combined contribution to the development of our literature than 'The Auld Shop' and the red-covered 'Bushman's Bible.' (Introduction)

'I know it is customary in some of the literary circles composed of so-called higher minds to make sly digs at the writing of Frank Clune. There are some collectors who laugh at the idea of having his books alongside their "treasures" and can refer to writers and others someday being "cluned" — as though being the subject of a book by Frank Clune was a joke. Do they realise just how important the works of this author really are and will be in time to come?'  (Introduction)

'IT WAS THE LAST TIME I saw Henry Lawson alive. He came, as so often he did, to the bookshop where I was employed. Silhouetted in the doorway against the bright sunlight without, his tall figure showed a strange angularity of high shoulders and awkward bearing. Here was one on whom the city had not set her stamp. Battered felt hat was drawn over his eyes; loose-fitting coat with misshapen pockets; baggy trousers and crinkled toecapless boots. Lawson remained a bushman till the end of his days, though the city attractions had claimed him, and he looked peculiarly out of place in our orderly shop. Though some there were amongst our customers who recognised him, his haggard expression (for at this time Lawson no longer presented the handsome appearance of the well known Lambert portrait), his ill-fitting clothes and his bedraggled moustaches caused many a timid female customer to draw away.' (Introduction)