Inscribed by George Robertson: 'One of 12 copies with Mr Dennis's 'jacket' bound in. A

Component identifier:

Item 76(b)

Content Summary:

Further inscribed: 'Miss Wiley from the publishers'. Miss Wiley was George Robertson's confidential secretary, general factotum, and bodyguard. One of her most important duties was to keep the unwanted visitor away from the publisher's sanctum. Much of her time was occupied in protecting G.R. from the constant importunities of Henry Lawson.

Inserted is autograph letter from C.J. Dennis to Fred Shenstone concerning some missing verses for this publication.

Also tipped in is photograph of Hal Gye, taken in the garden of his home, with long annotation. An amusing commentary upon himself. 'Dear posterity: The smug, self-satisfied respectable looking little gentleman above shows none of the charm of my unruly self...I don't like him, either: ...he's no relation to me and I disown the angelic looking little wowser - let me look like my own rash, impetuous, cursing, drinking, troublesome, laughing, living self. Yours sincerely, Hal Gye, September 1952'. The photograph is headed: 'A photograph of Hal Gye, taken by his friend Harry Chaplin in which picture the native wickedness of the notorious artist has been completely obliterated'.

The mounted figure on the dust jacket is a caricature of Randolph Bedford, drawn by Dennis as a joke.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was purchased from Harry Chaplin in 1981.

Names:

Chaplin, Harry F.

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