Description

Title: Mother of the Gumnuts by Maureen Walsh
Author/Publisher: Maureen Walsh, HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Publication Year: 1985
Format: Two illustrated hardcover volumes with dust jackets, presented in a slipcase.

Both Harcover volumes in green slipcase (gilt spine lettering, minor edgewear). Very heavy (4.0 Kg). 228pp and 496pp. Books in very good condition. Box has wear. 02071511792 May Gibbs: Mother of the Gumnuts: May Gibbs' stories reveal magic in the Australian bush, woven through the voices of her unique and curious characters and through her imagery and humour. It is a magic that continues to captivate generations of Australians. In this fascinatingly detailed and well researched biography, Maureen Walsh steps into May Gibbs' magic circle and gives us an insight into one of Australia's most treasured children's authors. Commencing with May's birth in middle class London, Maureen details the family's struggles upon their arrival in an unfamiliar land. While their initial encounters of the harsh Australian outback were daunting, a move to Perth brings happier times and leads to May's affinity with the bush. May Gibbs' lively spirit is brought to life with interviews, notes from May's sketchbooks and quotes from her letters and autobiographical notes.

Synopsis

"Mother of the Gumnuts" by Maureen Walsh presents an authoritative and richly detailed exploration of the life and work of May Gibbs, the beloved creator of the iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie characters. Published in 1985, this comprehensive collection delves into the visionary artistry and storytelling that shaped Australia's distinctive literary landscape.

Categorised as a Fairy Tale and Literature, and intended for an adult audience, this work transcends a mere children's book study, offering profound insight into the narratives and imagination behind the enduring Gumnut world. It positions Gibbs not just as a children's author but as a foundational figure in Australian cultural identity.

• Crafting the Gumnut World: Delve into the intricate process behind the genesis of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, tracing how Gibbs brought the Australian bush to life through her distinctive gumnut babies, bush fairies, and formidable foes.
• A Visual Legacy: Highlighted throughout are the exquisite illustrations that defined Gibbs's storytelling. This explores her artistic technique and her unparalleled contribution to Australian children's book illustration.
• Enduring Australian Icon: An examination of May Gibbs's lasting cultural impact, assessing how her whimsical tales and characters became synonymous with Australian childhood and a cherished part of the nation's heritage.

This vintage collection, a dedicated study of one of Australia's most cherished literary figures, holds significant appeal for collectors of Australian literature, enthusiasts of children's book history, and anyone with a deep appreciation for the unique magic of May Gibbs's Gumnut universe.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications