['Ern Malley's Journal']

Ern Malley's Journal. Volume 1, Number 1, November 1952 to Volume 2, Number 2, November 1955. [The complete run of six issues, published sporadically, and edited by Max Harris, John Reed and Barrie Reid]

Heidelberg, The Editors, 1952 to 1955.

Octavo, six numbers, 48; 53; 48; 56; 40; and 64 pages with 2 illustrations by Jean Langley in the first number plus a plate in each of the first three numbers (in the third one, it reproduces 12 Charles Blackman paintings from his exhibition at the Bray Gallery in Melbourne in May of the previous year); there are 7 plates by Arthur Boyd in the fourth number, and 4 plates of sculpture by Boyd in the fifth number; and an illustration plus 4 plates (reproducing artwork by Robert Dickerson) in the final number. A subscription form is attached to the verso of the front cover of the first number with two small pieces of clear tape.

Wrappers; title in facsimile holograph (the first four numbers), the fifth one with front cover artwork by Charles Blackman, the sixth one with front cover artwork by Ian Sime; minimal signs of age and use; overall, in excellent condition throughout.

'Six years ago Ern Malley lived and died in Australia. Child of the unintended creative act of two other Australian poets he became overnight the most significant figure in the current literary scene. Alike as poet and as a symbol of creative living ... Who can doubt that he did in fact live. And now, we hope, his spirit will live on in the pages of this Journal' (introduction to the first number). The lengthy editorial in the third number indicates their hope is a little forlorn ('we cannot congratulate either our contributors, our readers, or ourselves'), and it concludes with a half-page explanation - clearly called for - of 'Who was Ern Malley?'. It was another thirteen months before Volume 1, Number 4 appeared; Volume 2, Numbers 1 and 2 followed at six-monthly intervals, before the journal ceased publication for want of subscribers. Provenance: Ruth Tuck (1914-2008), the South Australian modernist painter, with her signature in the second, third and fourth numbers. [6 items].