Gleanings From Australasian Verse
Poems Of Manhood
Gathered by Mary E. Wilkinson
Published by Whitcombe & Tombs Limited: Melbourne 1919 (undated) 1st Edition
In Original Wrap Bindings
"Gleanings From Australasian Verse: Poems of Manhood is an early Australian poetry collection gathered by poet and anthologist Mary E. Wilkinson and published in Melbourne by Whitcombe & Tombs Limited in 1919 (undated - references confirm 1919 as published date). Conceived as part of Wilkinson's Gleanings from Australasian Verse series, the volume was intended not simply as a conventional anthology of celebrated verse, but as a means of preserving worthwhile poems by Australian and Australasian writers whose work might otherwise have been overlooked or forgotten. Wilkinson states in her foreword that particular emphasis was placed upon younger writers who were, in her view, more distinctly Australian in character than many of their predecessors.
The collection brings together verse concerned with Australia, masculinity, courage, work, mateship, adventure, war, the bush and the sea, presenting an evocative literary picture of Australian identity during the early twentieth century. Contributors include Roderic Quinn, Nina Murdoch, Jack Sommers, A. G. Stephens, Archibald T. Strong, Geoffrey Wall and others, alongside established colonial poets. Particularly notable is the inclusion of Adam Lindsay Gordon's "The Swimmer", while other pieces range from patriotic celebrations of the Australian landscape to poems reflecting upon hardship, endurance and the emerging national character. Several selections originally appeared in important Australian publications including The Bulletin, The Argus and The Lone Hand.
Published by the important Australasian firm Whitcombe & Tombs, this first edition survives in its attractive original illustrated wrap bindings, printed in green and white with the series title and Poems of Manhood to the front. The combination of its distinctly Australian literary content, early anthology format and fragile original wrappers gives the volume particular interest as an example of Federation-era Australian publishing and the development of a consciously national literature. An appealing period collection preserving both familiar and now little-known voices from the formative years of Australian poetry."
General wear and chipping to dustjacket and spine as shown. No inscriptions. Some light foxing present otherwise the book presents well, with no loose pages and is in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
