1937 The Valley Of The Sky by Tarlton Rayment Antique SIGNED 1st Ed Fiction Book

Written by noted Australian naturalist, entomologist and author Tarlton Rayment (1882-1964), the novel reflects his long-standing fascination with Aboriginal culture and Australia's natural landscape. While unmistakably a work of historical fiction rather than history, it is carefully grounded in real events and places, with Gippsland's forests, mountains and pioneer settlements providing an evocative backdrop. The book remains an interesting example of pre-war Australian literature, both for its literary qualities and for the insight it offers into contemporary attitudes towards Australia's frontier history.

This 1937 first edition is made especially desirable by its warmly inscribed presentation from the author, written at Melbourne's Savage Club: "Dear Mr Saddler: I trust you will enjoy my story of a sincere man, and his treatment of the simple brown people of Australia. With regards, Tarlton Rayment." The inscription provides direct evidence of Rayment's own view of the novel's central theme and significantly enhances the book's provenance. Also included is an original promotional order form for Lynette Young's biography The Melody Lingers On, preserving an interesting association with Rayment's later legacy. Housed in its original publisher's cloth bindings, this is an increasingly scarce first edition with exceptional authorial provenance, appealing to collectors of Australian literature, Gippsland history and signed books alike."