The silver brumby, 1958; 1999-2002

Containers:

Box 24

Component identifier:

Series 23

Content Summary:

Papers relating to the first children's novel written by Mitchell, entitled The silver brumby. It was published by Hutchinson in 1958, with illustrations by Ralph Thompson. The novel came about because Mitchell's children were not keen on the texts they were sent to read as part of their correspondence studies. Mitchell decided to write a book that they could relate to, based on the Australian alpine region in which they lived. The novel was to prove enduringly successful, with many editions in a number of countries being published in the ensuing years. In addition, a film version and an animation series based on the book were also produced (see Series 40).

The papers in this series comprise edited typescript drafts, chapter outlines, proofs and correspondence, 1999-2000, with HarperCollins regarding a proposed classic edition of the book.

3 files and 1 packet. The contents of File 1 have been rehoused into 2 security binders.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was acquired from the family of Elyne Mitchell in six instalments between 2002 and 2008, with the bulk of the material being purchased in 2007. The collection was originally comprised of two components. The first component was papers that were in Mitchell's possession at the time of her death in 2002, while the second component was papers that had been left by Mitchell in the care of her agent, Curtis Brown. These two components have been brought together to form the entirety of the Elyne Mitchell Papers.

Subjects:

Literature

Names:

Mitchell, Elyne

Access and use