Description

Title: Such Is Life
Author/Publisher: Tom Collins / The Speciality Press Pty. Ltd.
Publication Year: 1917
Format: Hardcover, First Edition

SUCH IS LIFE Being Certain Extracts from the Diary of Tom Collins (Joseph Furphy). Published by: The Speciality Press Pty. Ltd. Melbourne, 189-191 Little Collins Street. This edition has the sheets and binding of the first edition with new prelimanary matter p[x] bound in.

Synopsis

"Such Is Life" is a foundational work of early Australian literature, penned by the celebrated author Tom Collins, the pen name of Joseph Furphy. This notable first edition, published in 1917 by The Speciality Press Pty. Ltd., represents a significant milestone in the nation's literary landscape.

Regarded as a seminal Australian novel, "Such Is Life" delves into the complexities of colonial life, offering a distinctive perspective on the period. As a treasured antiquarian and collectible piece, it holds particular appeal for enthusiasts of Australian literary history.

• Pioneering Australian Narrative: The novel provides a vivid, albeit often satirical, portrayal of the lives of bushmen, squatters, and sundry characters in rural New South Wales and Victoria during the late 19th century. Its narrative structure, presented as a collection of diary extracts, offers a unique and intimate insight into the era.
• Joseph Furphy's Vision: Under the pseudonym Tom Collins, Joseph Furphy crafted a work that challenged conventional literary forms of his time, blending philosophical discourse with everyday events and colloquial Australian speech, making it a cornerstone of Australian literary realism.
• A Distinctive Voice: Furphy's writing is characterised by its distinctive voice, dry wit, and keen observations of human nature and the harsh Australian environment. The narrative often reflects on themes of fate, free will, and the 'such is life' stoicism prevalent in the colonial psyche.

This book represents a truly significant acquisition for any serious collector of Australiana or early 20th-century literature. Its status as a first edition of a foundational text ensures its enduring cultural and historical value.

Condition

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

Specifications