The men of the fifties. No imprint. n.d. [Brisbane, . ?], 1938

Component identifier:

Item 2

Content Summary:

Published in an edition of 200 copies.

Folder. 4pp. 7 3/4" × 4 1/2". A poem inspired by events at the Eureka Stockade. Written by John Neilson, father of Shaw Neilson.

Accompanying this are four letters (10pp.) written at Shaw Neilson's dictation by his brother Frank, between June and August, 1938. All are signed "J.S. Neilson". They are to James Devaney, who arranged the layout and publication, and saw the little folder through the press.

Neilson's first letter sends a clipping of the poem from Ballarat Courier, 1905, and he suggests that it be printed in an edition of 50 copies. Neilson was anxious to secure copyright for these verses, and frequent reference to this proposal is made in the letters. He is also concerned with his own poetry, and the poetry of others. In one letter he speaks of Hartley Grattan, the latter having written at length on Australian poetry. "...As the subject is 'Our Greatest Poet' only poets are dealt with. I think it right that McCrae and Daley should not be overlooked. I am rather surprised that Furnley Maurice is left out. His treatment of Gordon is fairer than same of the hostilities put out by modern critics."

All the above tipped into quarter leather album.

Names:

John Shaw Neilson

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