Henry Handel Richardson Knihy

A passionate and controversial novel set in turn-of-the-century Europe Henry Handel Richardson's debut, published in London in 1908, is set in the music scene of Leipzig, a cosmopolitan centre for the arts drawing students from around the world—among them Maurice Guest, a young Englishman, who falls helplessly in love with an Australian woman, Louise Dufrayer. Maurice Guest is the story of this overwhelming passion. The novel was deemed too controversial to be published as Richardson intended, and she was forced to cut twenty thousand words from the original manuscript and tone down its language. Carmen Callil, in her introduction, writes: 'it remains a great novel, one that, once it grasps your imagination, is impossible to put down for more than a moment, leading every reader into a dreamtime remembrance of the terrible pain the human heart is heir to.'

He had never got within measurable distance of what he called life, at all...deep down in him, he knew, was an enormous residue of vitality...It was like a buried treasure, jealously kept for the event of his one day catching up with life: not the bare scramble for a living that here went by that name, but Life with a capital L. Richard Mahony is a restless man. Ballarat, England, Melbourne, Europe, the bush: elsewhere is always better. Searching for a place, a meaning, a life, Mahony and his wife Mary journey from wealth to poverty, order to chaos, sanity to the asylum. The Fortunes of Richard Mahony is a towering novel.

The Getting of Wisdom was first published in 1910 and has continued to sell well. Germaine Greer’s introduction, of course, makes this edition even more appealing to the reader. Described by H. G. Wells as the best school story he knew, The Getting of Wisdom is the classic Australian novel of school days, a compelling and frank account of a young girl’s coming of age. ‘Sexual tension tightens every page’ writes Germaine Greer. ‘The enduring truth is that The Getting of Wisdom is Richardson’s only great book, precisely because the subject is, like the rest of us, ordinary, and therefore deeply important.’

The book features a faithful reproduction of the original text, preserving its content and style. It offers readers a chance to experience the work as it was first presented, maintaining the authenticity of the author's voice and intention. Ideal for those interested in historical literature or seeking to explore classic works in their original form, this edition highlights the significance of the text in its cultural and literary context.

The narrative explores Richard Mahony's return to England after years in the Australian outback, where he seeks comfort and stability. Despite achieving his dreams, he faces prejudice from the wealthy elite, leading to his challenging decision to return to Australia. The novel delves into themes of mental illness and the sacrifices made by his wife to support their family amidst his decline. This poignant tale, part of a celebrated trilogy, offers a deep reflection on identity and belonging within the context of early 20th-century Australian society.

This work is a faithful reproduction of the original text, preserving its authenticity and historical significance. It offers readers a chance to engage with the classic material in its original form, highlighting the themes and ideas presented by the author. Ideal for those interested in literature, history, or the evolution of ideas, this reproduction serves as a valuable resource for both casual readers and scholars alike.

This edition of Australia Felix; Part-III has been meticulously reformatted and retyped to enhance readability and preserve its significance for future generations. It aims to ensure that this important work remains accessible, free from the limitations of scanned copies. The modern design emphasizes clarity, making it suitable for both contemporary readers and those interested in the historical context of the text.

This work has been preserved and republished in a modern format to ensure its significance is not lost to future generations. The book has been reformatted and retyped for clarity and readability, avoiding the pitfalls of scanned copies. Its historical importance is emphasized, making it a valuable addition to literary collections.