AustLit

'The 1872 Education Act introduced changes that would alter the structure and operation of education in Victoria for the next hundred years. This book is about four educationists who found themselves immersed in these changes. Its focus is on their work with the Education Department in Victoria, encompassing the latter half of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century. These four educationists are Gilbert Wilson Brown, who as Secretary of Public Instruction between 1878 to 1889 was responsible for teachers, schools and clerical staff; Herbert W. Wilson, who lectured at Melbourne Teachers College and University of Melbourne in Science and Nature Study at various times between 1908 and 1942 and was known as 'The Major' due to his WWI service; Nathan Spielvogel, a classroom teacher between 1892 and 1939, who as 'Old Eko' contributed humorous anecdotes to magazines and journals; and Julia Flynn, who was the first woman to be appointed to a senior position, as an inspector of secondary schools and later, in 1936, Chief Inspector Secondary.' (Publication summary)

'Dr Arthur Andrews, a worthy citizen of Albury, contributed greatly to the growth and development of his adopted town. He was not only exceptionally public-spirited, but also a pioneer local historian and a leader in the early study of Australasian tokens and coins. His personal story has been overlooked-and so also Albury's history, as the city's promise around the time of Federation is perhaps only now being fulfilled. However, Dr Andrew's histories of Albury and the Upper Murray, and his handbook of tokens and coins, are still used. The Country Surgeon is an extensive, well-illustrated biography. It illuminates the lives and everyday preoccupations of Dr Andrew's fellow citizens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.' (Publication summary)

'What are said to be the facts of a matter can be affected by pieces of fiction, as in testimony flawed by an imperfect memory or tales prompted by self-interest.

'Alert to the ins and outs of the trial process, Nicholas Hasluck, a former judge and accomplished novelist, has drawn upon his personal diaries to explore the relationship between law and literature, as he did in his earlier work about judicial life, Bench and Book.

'Judging isn’t just about finding facts and applying law. It involves getting to grips with individual stories and dilemmas. A mind alert to the complexities of human nature won’t accept too easily what is simply alleged or said to be true. At its best, law is truth in action, a story showing what actually happened and what should be done.' (Publication summary)

'Aeneas Gunn achieved posthumous fame in 1908 as the Maluka, following the publication of Jeannie (Mrs Aeneas) Gunn's acclaimed novel, We of the Never-Never. The story of Aeneas James Gunn prior to and including his year managing a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory can now be told, thanks to the discovery of a large cache of his letters. Gunn's voice enriches the narrative with deeply personal, perceptive and often humorous glimpses into life in Australia during the last decades of colonisation. A proud and capable literary man, Gunn found his vulnerabilities exposed in unusual circumstances. His Anglocentric views would, in time, be tempered by the woman he loved and admired.' (Publication summary)

'Captain Bligh's Journal is the most important of all of the primary documents relating to the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. Needless to say, writers-and Hollywood in its memorable Errol Flynn and Marlin Brando movie classics-have made great use of it. Up till now, however, the relationship between the Journal's official version (at The National Archives in London) and Bligh's private version (at the Mitchell Library in Sydney) has not been explored. This surprising omission is dealt with in this meticulous comparison of the two versions by John A. Fish. Very many surprising and significant differences are thus revealed, particularly those relating to the notorious Bligh's interaction with his officers and men. A full historical and bibliographical study of Bligh's three expedition journals-of the journals of the Bounty, the Resource and the Vlydt-is included. The author also scrutinises Bligh's large manuscript account of the mutiny and the voyage in the open boat, which is in the Mitchell Library and is the forerunner of Bligh's Narrative of the Mutiny (1790). The significance of this work, which is in Bligh's own hand, had not previously been fully recognised. Based on extensive research (including several close examinations of the primary sources) and a deep understanding of the relevant literature, this book will prove to be a landmark event in the history of Bligh/Bounty scholarship.' (Publication summary)

'Augustine Dall’Ava carves and assembles materials—including woods, seeds, stones, marble, granite, aluminium, stainless steel—to create sculptures. He first came to prominence in the 1970s and is now renowned for works both domestic and monumental in scale. Dall’Ava’s large works—like the 9.5m high Cosmic Resonance installed at Mornington Peninsula’s Point Leo Sculpture Park—are to be found in arts locations and university campuses along Australia’s east coast. His small sculptures are more personal, and they reflect his Italian heritage and aspects of the human condition. Several series, entitled Dialogues and Conversations, explore human relations; others remain mysterious and meditative.

'Dall’Ava’s sculptures, ever abstract and quite unique, are displayed sumptuously in this superb production by renowned designer and publisher, Jenny Zimmer. Author Ken Scarlett has published extensively on Australian sculpture. Artist Viki Petherbridge provided the stunning photographs for the book.' (Publication summary)

'Dr Fanny Reading arrived in Australia in 1889 as a migrant child and felt the loneliness of the newcomer. A brilliant musician and compassionate medical doctor, she created the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, mentoring thousands of women, bringing them out of their kitchens into the worlds of public debate and policies. A leader on Australia’s home-front during World War II, she was a trailblazer, feminist and courageous activist for the disadvantaged at home and abroad.

'‘This illuminating biography makes a significant contribution to Australian history, politics and culture.’—Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet, Resident Historian at the Sydney Jewish Museum

'‘Few leaders are endowed with the vision and ability to transform their society. One such catalyst of change was Dr Fanny Reading …’—Professor Andrew Markus, Emeritus Professor of Monash University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation' (Publication summary)

'William Henry Williams was one of three foundation lecturers at the newly established University of Tasmania in 1892, and he was in charge of the undergraduate and Honours programs in Classics, English Language and Literature until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1925.

'Ralph Spaulding explores the formative experiences and influences which prepared Williams for his role as Tasmania's first professor of English: his study of Classics at Trinity College Cambridge; his teaching at The Leys School Cambridge and his subsequent headmastership of Newington College, Sydney. This biography focuses on his teaching of English at the University and compares Williams' program with those of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Universities; it also examines his scrupulous editing of texts by writers such as John Dryden, John Skelton and Nicholas Udall, noting that his editions of Ralph Roister Doister and Jacke Jugular won considerable praise from international scholars.' (Publication summary)

'‘To begin with I saw Hilton’s tale of Shangri-La as an evocative fictional motif in the non-fictional tapestry of my collection, a metaphor for this journey in old books from Desert Cathay to The Land of Snows. Now I begin to see a different motif…it’s the missing sutra in the empty cave in the hole in the cliffside outside Dunhuang…’

'The author reflects on his own fifty-year voyage of discovery of Asia, culminating in a journey to far western China in 2018; to Dunhuang, the oasis town on the fringe of the Gobi and Lop deserts that for centuries gave access to the Silk Roads – and to the ‘Caves of a Thousand Buddhas’. These temple-caves once concealed the world’s oldest printed book, known as the Diamond Sutra, but as he contemplates the significance of the missing sutra and an empty cave, he finds himself confronted by the world’s oldest question.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'In the aftermath of the Great War, William Farmer Whyte, a well-known and respected Australian journalist, travelled widely in Asia visiting China, Japan and the British and Dutch colonies. He kept a journal of who he met and what he discussed with them and otherwise discovered as a commentator on foreign affairs and also as a tourist in new and fascinating surroundings. In doing so he showed he was acutely aware of the emerging strength of China and Japan on the international scene and the potential risks for Australia of dependence on security provided by the British Empire, and the Royal Navy’s presence at Singapore.

'Whyte conducted the Federal News Service in Canberra from the opening of Parliament House in 1927 until his death 30 years later.' (Publication summary)

'‘Voices of young people is a moving account of young Africans’ resettlement experience in Australia. Well researched, analysed and written, it is an inspiring tale of human struggle, resilience and achievement. It reminds us all of our common humanity and mutual obligation towards each other, where the well-off and strong have a responsibility to assist the vulnerable and needy.’ – Cardinal Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel CM, Chancellor, Ethiopian Catholic University, Addis Ababa

'‘Highly topical and relevant also in the European context, Voices of Young People is a powerful and insightful portrayal of human resettlement. It illustrates the achievements and great potential of young migrants to make significant contributions in their newly adopted country. By implication, it also advocates for more positive and inclusive attitudes in the community towards new arrivals.’ – Gabriele Stark-Angermeier, Deputy Director, Caritasverband der Erzdiözese München und Freising e.V., München.

'‘By letting young African migrants speak for themselves, this book illuminates the complex interplay between individual behaviour and the supportive family, societal and organisational structures a migrant needs in order to achieve and flourish in Western society.’ – Professor Getnet Tadele, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

'‘These powerful stories of young Africans’ lived experiences in Melbourne examine the phases of migration that led to the improvement of their lives and ultimately their impressive achievements. Inspiring and realistic, this study affirms the importance of early provisions of support and the necessity of well-targeted, on-going resettlement assistance at all institutional levels, to aid both host families and young people themselves.’ – Smaragda Piskopos, Student Welfare Coordinator, English Language School Braybrook, Melbourne'  (Publication summary)

'It was raunchy, it was riotous and it was a revelation. It was called Number 96 and soon after making its spectacular debut on our TV screens in 1972 it became the hottest show around. Since then it has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic TV shows ever produced anywhere in the world. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this beloved series the cast and crew share their recollections of life at television’s most notorious address.'  (Publication summary)

'Vernon Lee Walker, a young Englishman from industrial Wolverhampton, meets his death on a beach on Pentecost Island in the South Pacific on the eve of Christmas 1887.

'Why did Vernon die, in what circumstances, and who was responsible? Was he, as once branded, simply a 'bad colonist'? Or was he a Candide, an innocent abroad, mixing invisibly with the rich and famous, manipulated by a calculating brother, unable to change the world around him?

'An historian finds Vernon's letters home to England, spanning a dozen years. With decreasing frequency, these follow his trajectory, first in Melbourne and Sydney, then as he yields to the spell of the Pacific. But what happens between the lines? Does he fall in love with his brother's wife? What does a boy not tell his mother?

'The novelist steps in. This is a unique fusion of authentic history and informed invention - a tragic story of colonialism in Australia and the Pacific, told with compassion, humour and a deep understanding of time and place.'  (Publication summary)

'I want the things that I write to one day see the light of day, to be published. I want my children to understand that if they now live well, choose their partner, go on a honeymoon and live a better life, that they should not forget that their parents underwent years of hardship here in this foreign land. Those young women, who left their homeland and came here for a new tomorrow, often came up against such a lack of understanding that they were driven to despair, even suicide. It is to these wounded, immigrant women that I leave this book because I am one of them and I always think of them with love and compassion. - Litsa Nikolopoulou-Gogas' (Publication summary)

'In these thirty-five interviews with verse novelists from Australia and Aotearoa–New Zealand, Linda Weste explores the uniqueness of storytelling through poetry and the genre of the verse novel. Her subjects are notable representatives of a region where verse novels for Adults, Children and Young Adults thrive; among them is Steven Herrick, winner of the prestigious Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 2019; and what they have to say enriches our understanding of the verse novel across each of its publishing categories.'  (Publication summary)