Search Results: the autobiography of john shaw neilson by neilson john shaw

(Canberra), National Library of Australia, 1978.. First Edition; 8vo; pp. 175; notes, bibliography; original cloth, title lettered in gilt on spine, dustjacket; a fine copy. The National Library of Australia acquired in 1964 a collection of papers about the poet John Shaw Neilson, including a series of autobiographical letters never before published. Recounting his harsh life as a small settler he also tells how he came to write lyrical verse and ballads in his spare time, and how through his mentor, A.G. Stephens, his efforts were published in the Bulletin, the Bookfellow and other journals. Thus his reputation grew as Australias finest lyric poet. An astonishing achievement for an unschooled 'navvy', as he always described himself.