The Moods Of Ginger Mick 1st Edition 1916 - 159 Pages
The Glugs Of Gosh 1st Edition 1917 - 130 Pages
By C.J. Dennis
Illustrated by Hal Gye
Published by Angus & Robertson Ltd: Sydney
"C.J. Dennis's The Moods of Ginger Mick (1916) is a vibrant and deeply human verse narrative capturing the larrikin spirit of inner-city Melbourne during the First World War. Written in Dennis's signature vernacular style, the book continues the world introduced in The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, following the brash yet big-hearted Ginger Mick as he grapples with mateship, duty, and the sobering realities of war. Hal Gye's lively illustrations perfectly complement the text, enhancing the humour, pathos, and authentic Australian character that made Dennis one of the nation's most beloved poets.
Beyond its comic charm, the work carries a poignant emotional weight as it charts Mick's transformation from carefree street tough to soldier confronting the uncertainties of the front. As a cornerstone of early twentieth-century Australian literature, the first edition remains particularly significant for collectors and scholars of wartime writing, vernacular poetry, and Australiana. This volume will especially appeal to admirers of C.J. Dennis, collectors of WWI-era Australian literature, and enthusiasts of Hal Gye's classic illustrative style.
Published at the height of Dennis's literary success, The Glugs of Gosh (1917) is an imaginative, satirical fantasy written in playful verse and accompanied by Hal Gye's whimsical illustrations. Departing from the Earthy realism of Dennis's earlier works, this story unfolds in a fantastical kingdom where the Glugs—bumbling, bureaucratic, and blindly obedient—become the targets of Dennis's razor-sharp social critique. Through rhythm, wit, and allegory, Dennis explores themes of conformity, materialism, and the folly of political leadership, demonstrating his versatility while maintaining his characteristic accessibility and humour.
The first edition holds particular interest for readers fascinated by Australia's early contribution to political satire and children's fantasy, as well as those who appreciate Dennis's ability to blend playful nonsense with pointed commentary. Gye's illustrations elevate the experience, adding visual charm to an already memorable work. This book will appeal to collectors of C.J. Dennis, enthusiasts of early Australian satirical literature, and admirers of illustrated fantasy from the early twentieth century."
Light wear and fading to covers. Pages clean and bright with no foxing. No inscriptions. Glugs Of Gosh has a WW1 Fundraising Stamp on the title page as shown. Small tear to tiel page in Glugs Of Gosh. Both books in good condition overall with Glugs Of Gosh inferior as described. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
Size 19cm x 15cm x 2cm (x 2 books)
