Waltzing Matilda - A Background to Australia (1946)

Published by Adam and Charles Black, London, 1946, hardcover, illustrated, 295 pages, inscription to endpaper otherwise condition: very good.

It was the author's work in connection with the Russian Ballet that 'landed him suddenly and unwillingly in Australia'. He promptly fell in love with that as yet little understood continent and made it his business to discover it for himself. This is the fascinating and intensely personal record of that discovery. His work brought him into close contact not only with the man-in-the-street but with an artistic Australia that has largely been ignored 'at home'. Today more than ever is such understanding an sympathetic writing about a great allied Dominion of paramount value. Also, this study of a great democratic civilisation is full of hope. The author traces its evolution from a form of totalitarian brutality to its present enlightened state and claims for it in the very near future a commanding position in the arts and humanities.

This book brings the author a vast correspondence from Australians all over the world. Its immense success has made it a travel classic, the indispensable guide to a brave new world.