Janet McCalman

The two local histories in this group are about utterly different places and are quite unalike in technique and form, yet they do share a common motivation. Both emanate from the researches and pens of local inhabitants, determined that the outside world should appreciate the qualities and problems of ‘our town’. However beyond this, they are linked only by ironies. One is the story of an envi ... (read more)

For any who may suffer under the delusion that the production of good histories is easy, these three books offer some valuable lessons. The first, J.0. Randell’s Yaldwyn of the Golden Spurs, is the work of a Gentleman (i.e. amateur) historian, the other two are very much the labours of mere Players. William Henry Yaldwyn (1801–66) was a Sussex squire, (in Burke’s LandedGentry by the skin of ... (read more)

It’s a clever and provocative title that Patsy Adam-Smith has chosen for her autobiography. She is a woman who has said many ‘goodbyes’ in her rich and adventurous life; and she is of an age and disposition where ‘girlie’ is heard as an endearment, not a put-down. Patsy Adam­Smith is one of Australia’s greatest writers, although you will rarely hear the literati or the academics sa ... (read more)