Cirrus@Austlit

'Clarice Beckett was one of Australia’s most important early Modernist painters, excelling in portraiture, still-life and landscape. The discovery of a trove of her artworks has led to her remarkable talent and evocative art being recognised afresh and greatly admired.

'Clarice Beckett was self-effacing; she left no diaries or letters and was only occasionally mentioned in the diaries of her friends. For an insight into her enigmatic genius, Edith Ziegler focuses on Clarice’s family background, childhood; art education; philosophical, spiritual and psychological enquiries and influences; friendships and contacts. The reader is drawn into the world in which Clarice’s vision was formed and her talent developed.'(Publication summary)

'France, 1879. The Marquis de Rays dreams of a utopian colony on a remote tropical island in Oceania north of Australia. He has never been to this place—a rain-drenched wilderness shadowed by mountains. Undaunted, he gathers investors, and hundreds of hopeful European battlers set out for the new world.

'In northern Italy, a young farmer, Matteo, convinces his wife, Rosa, that they should emigrate. Leaving him behind to sell their smallholding, she embarks with their baby on the Marquis’ third expedition.

'Matteo follows later, only to discover his family is gone, there is no arable land, malaria is rife, and the captain commanding the colony is mad. Will Matteo find his Rosa and baby Angelo among other refugees who have fled to Sydney? And if he does, how will they begin again?

'The Marquis, a historical character, destroyed the lives, hopes, and fortunes of many. In this compelling debut novel, survival and a fresh start may be the best his victims can hope for.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'‘However far away from you I am, you are the real centre of my life ...’ – Leslie Walford

'For much of the twentieth century the names Leslie Walford and Dora Byrne were synonymous with style and glamour. Walford was the sophisticated, go-to interior designer for Sydney society. His mother, Dora Byrne, was a key figure in Sydney and Southern Highlands social circles.

'Darling Mother, Darling Son is the first major publication to be drawn from the archive of Leslie Walford’s papers held by Sydney Living Museums.

'Revealing an unbreakable bond between mother and son, the letters are lively, opinionated and sometimes poignant as Dora and Leslie discuss their lives and loves – and their fascinating insights into the design and fashion of their times.' (Publication summary)