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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'David Martin (1915-1997) was one of the most versatile among the so-called migrant writers in Australia in the second half of the twentieth century and certainly one of the best known. His work became popular in many genres: poetry, novels, short stories, journalism, drama, radio-scripts, autobiography, and literature for children and young adults. In the latter area alone, he published fourteen novels, two picture books, a volume of poetry and an autobiography.' Many of his works have been published overseas and translated into other languages, but none so far have been reprinted. Martin also wrote political non-fiction, lectured at the Victorian Centre for Adult Education, was a sought-after speaker at literary events, and became well known as a critic and reviewer. Several groups within the Australian literary scene claimed David Martin as one of their own — socialist, Jewish, 'ethnic' or 'multicultural'. He wrote for Meanjin, for Overland (of which he was one of the founding members), and for numerous newspapers and other periodicals. A number of his stories have been turned into television and radio scripts.' (Introduction)
Notes
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Epigraph: 'I address myself to all who love life and peace above war and death.' – (David Martin, Post Script to From Life, 1953)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
- Battlefields and Girls : poems 1942 selected work poetry
- Fox on My Door : A Journey through My Life 1987 single work autobiography
- From Life : Selected Poems of David Martin 1953 selected work poetry
- The Gift : Poems 1959-1965 1966 selected work poetry
- The Idealist 1968 single work poetry
- My Strange Friend (from My Strange Friend : An Autobiography) 1991 extract
- Poems of David Martin, 1938-1958 1958 selected work poetry
- Rob the Robber : His Life and Vindication 1954 single work poetry
- Where a Man Belongs : A Novel 1969 single work novel