New poems. Ordinary edition. Gray wrappers

Component identifier:

Item 26-29

Content Summary:

Four copies, as follows.

(a) Original wrappers. Autographed by the poet upon his frontispiece portrait "John Shaw Neilson". This copy contains poem Song Without Wine. Inserted is long and pleasant typewritten letter (initialled) from A.G. Stephens to Shaw Neilson, dated 28 June 1924. A.G.S. conveys the impression here that "Polly" was the first poem of Neilson's that he handled while he was with the Bulletin, yet Marion's Child had appeared previously and he also included the latter in the Bulletin Reciter issued in 1901. After Polly there was an interval of five years before Neilson again appeared in the Bulletin pages but it is possible that he had in the meantime submitted material and that it was rejected. There is an entry in the Bulletin "Answers" column for 14 July 1900: "Shaw N. The verse goes well, but allegory isn't in demand". Neilson is also mentioned in the Lone Hand "Answers" column for 1 August 1907: "J.S. Neilson: The Lone Hand pays according to merit. You'll find it's minimum rate good enough".

(b) Full morocco over the original wrappers preserved as issued. This copy contains Song Without Wine. Inserted is a letter from Percival Serle 17 October 1925, to A.G. Stephens, rejecting the latter's proposal that he should publish a booklet for Neilson in Melbourne. Explains that he has not made profit from his last two books, and that Neilson's booklet is unlikely to sell. He also suggests that Neilson would do better to collect sufficient material for a book. On the verso of this letter is autograph note from A.G.S. to Neilson, 21 October 1925. "First blood to the other side. I don't agree...except that I think booklet should look well. 'Spinner' style is too small and mean - not worthwhile. And a better style means cost £25 - not £15. The alternative is to cut out four pages - less for money. When MS comes back I have one more to try. If he fails, you can think over Mrs Dyer. Sorry I haven't the cash at present." Inserted also is typescript of the last four stanzas to Neilson's poem He Sold Himself to the Daisies, with annotations by A.G.S. He refers to the line: "Saw that the daisies saw", as "awkward when said aloud". But Neilson did not choose to alter it, and so, the line remained and was printed in this book at page 28.

(c) Full morocco over original wrappers. Contains Song Without Wine, and also has minor pencilled alterations by A.G.S. upon pages 10 and 12. Presentation copy inscribed: "H.E. Boote from A.G.S. 1.12.27". Inserted: Autograph note from A.G.S. to Boote, thanking him "for kind and competent notice...highly appreciated - especially the kindness". Long typewritten letter, 24 April 1927, from A.G.S. to Neilson. Autograph letter from H.E. Boote to A.G.S. (n.d.): "Sorry to return the enclosed MS. but it is too long for Worker's page. Guinea length is management's limit for a piece of verse". On verso of this is long typewritten note which A.G.S. has sent to Neilson. He comments: "This for 'Lolly Tin' - not many papers left now...I think space was Herald's, and 'Home's' objection - queer birds - as interesting as water fowl. Return 'Dream' not force enough. Average person knows nothing of point. Make point clearer - drive home harder. Wrote Serle offering a booklet without fees or royalties. Any profit to him. Said I was sure he'll give you half, if any. He must spend time and trouble - really no risk. Vic. editors will prefer Melb. imprint - hit you where you live....Better see the friendly folk - clobber or not - stop you brooding. The eyes of little Stephens say go in and face the music". This note is dated 30 April 1927.

(d) Full morocco, over original wrappers. Lacks Song Without Wine, which vanishes from the list of contents, reducing this to list of the titles of only twenty-two poems, At end is an advertisement leaf reprinting press notices of Ballad and Lyrical Poems. Inserted: As in this copy the poem is missing from the text, I have inserted the original typescript of the poem. It has an annotation in the autograph of A.G.S. This script has five stanzas, one of which was omitted by A.G.S. when the poem was printed in the book. He also changed the poem into couplets. Original typescript of The Birds Go By, printed at page 9, in this book. This is apparently an early draft, for the published version differs considerably. On this typescript are several annotations by A.G.S. He has also decorated the script with some rather crude sketches in his usual violet ink. He refers also to a poem of Neilson's which has been returned to him by people whom he describes as "several burghers". Subscription form for New Poems signed by Blamire Young, ordering 3 copies, together with this is another form from Bernard O'Dowd ordering the same number.

Names:

John Shaw Neilson

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