Shaw Neilson by James Devaney. Angus Robertson Ltd. Sydney, 1944

Component identifier:

Item 51-53

Content Summary:

Three copies.

(a) Long annotation upon end paper by author to H.F. Chaplin. A long complaint about the production of this book. He mentions the many unauthorised alterations to his script and the errors, so many in fact that he refused to check proofs and wished that the book be not published. The book finally appeared but Devaney writes: "...There are literally dozens of small alterations not one of which I agree with..."

Inserted: Short autograph note from Neilson to Devaney, written from Caloundra in 1941. "Thanks! Am doing well. J.S.N." Letters from Commonwealth Literary Fund to Devaney on subject of Fellowship for the writing of this book, which was granted. There is also an autograph letter from Vance Palmer to Devaney, 3 September 1946, very critical of the conduct of the Political Committee of the C.L.F. He describes the setup as "tragically farcical". This book was dedicated by the author to Mrs Annie McKimm, sister of Shaw Neilson.

(b) Inserted in this copy is autograph letter from Mrs E. Neilson (Neilson's step-mother) 28 December 1942. She writes to Devaney describing Neilson's kindness. "I am sorry I cannot tell you something more, only I would like to tell you he was a wonderful friend to me and my girls after his father died. The girls were very fond of him and miss him greatly. The world is poorer by his passing."

(c) Inserted is autograph letter from the Matron of "Epworth" Hospital to James Devaney, 2 December 1942. She describes Neilson's physical condition during his last illness and speaks of him as "a very nice, quiet, gentle patient".

Inserted also are two autograph letters from Kate Baker to James Devaney, written in January and February of 1948. There are many references to Neilson, one of which says: "...I have been re-reading your Shaw Neilson story. What a hard life he had, and yet it did not embitter him - 'You have no quarrel with life, Mr Neilson?' 'No', he replied, 'Life is, and that is all there is to it'. A good philosophy in a nutshell." She mentions certain Neilson ceremonies and the Wallace Anderson bust, and portrait by Ted Turner.

Names:

John Shaw Neilson

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