Guide to the Papers of David Martin, 1915-1997
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Collection context
Summary
- Collection number:
- MS 6885
- Creator:
- David Martin and Martin, David
- Extent:
- (99 boxes + 1 large folio box + 7 sound/av carriers + 6 digital carriers)
- Language:
- English and English
- Preferred citation:
- Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of David Martin, National Library of Australia [class number, box number and series and/or file number]'.
- Availability:
- Available
- Access conditions:
- Part available for research; part requires permission for research. Not for loan.
Background
- Content Summary:
-
There are papers relating to all of Martin's published works, which include novels, poetry, children's books, short stories, non-fiction and TV and radio scripts. Many of the works include notes, synopses, research material, work outlines and edited drafts, illustrating Martin's creative processes. Those works with more substantial papers have been listed separately. Complementing this material is a large number of cuttings, mostly reviews, relating to these works.
A large collection of both personal and business correspondence is included. Martin corresponded with many of Australia's well known authors, some of whom became personal friends. There is also correspondence with editors, publishers and literary agents, providing a good insight into the processes involved in getting works to the publication stage and beyond.
There is a large collection of cuttings accumulated by Martin of his contributions to newspapers and journals over the course of his career, dating from 1942. It should be noted that during the earlier part of his career, Martin also published works under the name Ludwig Detsinyi, Louis Detsinyi, Louis Destiny and Louis Adams.
Martin's wife, Richenda, was closely involved in his work and her editorial comments have been included with many of his drafts.
- Biographical Note:
-
David Martin was a novelist, poet, playwright, journalist, editor, literary reviewer and lecturer.
He was born in Budapest, Hungary on 22 December 1915, one of twin sons, to Leo and Hedwig Detsinyi. He was given the name Ludwig and his brother Rudolph. He adopted the name of David Martin after he moved to England.
Martin was educated in Germany and during his last year at school he wrote his first poem. He left Germany in 1934, travelling to Holland, where he worked on the reclamation of the Zuider Zee, spent time in Hungary and lived in Israel on a kibbutz. In 1937 he travelled to Spain where he served as a volunteer in the medical service of the International Brigade of the Spanish Republican Army, his poor eyesight preventing him from more active service.
In 1938 Martin joined his father in London, working in his clothing factory. Although he spoke no English on his arrival, he was a gifted linguist and within twelve months was publishing poetry, which he had written in English. In 1941 he was employed in Glasgow as a correspondent with the Daily Express. He returned to London where he was employed by the European Service of the BBC until 1944, and in 1945-47 he was literary editor of Reynolds News. In 1948 he travelled to India as British correspondent for the Daily Express. In 1941, Martin married Elizabeth Richenda Powell, great-granddaughter of the Quaker Elizabeth Fry. They had one son, Jan.
In 1949 the family moved to Australia. They settled in Melbourne, where Martin commenced work as a freelance journalist and editor of The Australian Jewish News. He quickly became part of Australian literary and political life. He joined the Communist Party in 1951, was active until 1956 and remained a member until 1959, when he was asked to resign.
Apart from several trips overseas, Martin was to spend the rest of his life in Australia. He continued to work in journalism, both in Australia and overseas. He had weekly current affairs columns in Free Press (1951-52) and the Sunday Observer (1969-71) and was foreign correspondent for the Indian newspaper Hindu (c1946-67) and for the Canadian newspaper The Montreal Star (c1966-69). In addition, he contributed an enormous number of articles, short stories and reviews to a variety of newspapers and journals, covering a diverse range of topics.
His first book - a collection of his poetry - was published in 1942. He went on to publish a number of books, which included further collections of his poetry, novels, short stories, children's books, plays and his autobiography. It is a remarkable achievement that he was able to write so successfully in such a variety of genres. Many of his works have been published overseas and some have been adapted for theatre and television.
For a number of years, Martin lectured on literary related topics for the Victorian Centre for Adult Education. As well as lecturing, Martin was often approached to speak about his work at literary events and to community groups.
In the Times Literary Supplement of 24 December 1964, Martin was referred to as 'Australia's outstanding literary acquisition from post-war migration' and in The Age of 10 March 1979, Walter McVitty referred to Martin as 'a writer who continues to enrich Australian literature in general and serious children's literature in particular'. Both these statements reflect the high esteem in which Martin was held by the literary community.
In 1988, Martin was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Australian literature. He also won the Patrick White Award in 1991 and was given an Emeritus Award by the Literature Fund of the Australia Council in 1996.
David Martin died in Beechworth, Victoria, on 1 July 1997.
- Provenance:
-
The main body of David Martin Papers was acquired partly under the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme and partly by outright purchase by the National Library in September 1983. Additional instalments were purchased over the period 1985-97. The papers document the long career of one of Australia's most prolific writers.
- Arrangement:
-
Martin's arrangement of the correspondence has been retained. An index to correspondents in Series 2, literary correspondence, can be found in Appendix I,(under Related Documentation tab)and to Series 4, political activities can be found in Appendix II.(under Related Documentation tab)
Access and use
- Conditions Governing Access:
- Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1111685).
- Conditions Governing Use:
- Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.
- Preferred citation:
- Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of David Martin, National Library of Australia [class number, box number and series and/or file number]'.
- Location of this collection:
-
Parkes PlaceCanberra ACT 2600, Australia
- Contact: