"Land Of Memory and Later Verse is a scarce Australian poetry collection by Sydney poet M.A. (Mary Ann) Robertson, gathering together reflective and deeply personal verses on memory, love, religion, family life, grief, nature, music and the changing world of early twentieth-century Australia. The contents range from intimate domestic poems such as My Little Son, One Year Old and Little Jane, to verses inspired by Sydney landmarks including the General Post Office, Martin Place and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Robertson's writing is characterised by gentle lyricism, sentiment, religious faith and a distinctly Australian perspective, while also drawing upon her Scottish heritage through several poems written in dialect.
What elevates this particular copy far beyond the ordinary is the remarkable autograph material preserved at the front of the volume. Opposite two original family photographs, Robertson has personally inscribed and signed a complete manuscript poem titled "Mary's Little Son", written entirely in her hand and dated July 1933. The verse does not appear to be a casual inscription but rather a carefully composed presentation poem, extending over multiple stanzas and signed "M.A.R." at its conclusion. Accompanying the manuscript is a presentation inscription reading "For dear Molly, with love from Aunt Pollie, 2/7/33", creating an intimate association between the author, the recipient and the family photographs mounted alongside. Such substantial handwritten literary additions are exceptionally uncommon and transform the book into a unique manuscript artefact as well as a printed work.
The volume is further enhanced by evidence of the author's own life and legacy. Tipped into the rear is a contemporary newspaper obituary announcing Robertson's death in February 1935, noting her Scottish birth, long association with Sydney, and the popularity of her verses in newspapers and magazines throughout Australia. The clipping specifically references Land of Memory and records the publication of the enlarged 1933 edition represented here. Together, the limited printing of only 250 copies, the author's extensive signed manuscript poem, family photographs and contemporary obituary create an exceptional piece of Australian literary ephemera, offering a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the life and work of a now little-known Sydney poet.
A highly desirable association copy, combining a scarce limited-edition Australian poetry collection with original autograph manuscript material of a quality and substance seldom encountered on the market. For collectors of Australian literature, women's writing, manuscript verse and unique association copies, this is a genuinely remarkable survival."
