y separately published work icon Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life selected work   short story   novella  
Issue Details: First known date: 1868... 1868 Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life
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Contents

* Contents derived from the London,
c
England,
c
c
United Kingdom (UK),
c
Western Europe, Europe,
:
Sampson Low, Son and Marston , 1868 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
Mr. Phiggs and His Christmas Breakfast : A Seasonable Story, Old Boomerang , single work short story humour
Against her better judgement, Mrs. Phiggs concedes to her husband's request to be allowed to cook Indian cuisine for their guests' Christmas breakfast.
(p. 1-9)
Speaking a Word In Season, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator recalls a story that was told to him of a misunderstanding between an evangelistic barber and a patron on the subject of being ready to 'meet the maker'.
(p. 10-13)
Will He Kick?, Old Boomerang , single work short story
Living in an idyllic rural area, the narrator recalls how he often had visitors who would enjoy going for long horse-rides. One visitor, however, proved unpopular due to his disregard for the well-being of his host's favoured horse.
(p. 14-17)
A Matrimonial Juggler, or Mr. Teddington and Miss Charity Glimm, Old Boomerang , single work short story
Miss Charity answers an advertisement in which a gentleman is seeking matrimony. Travelling to Newcastle to marry, a rough and windy sea voyage reveals the real character of Mr. Teddington Trout, and confusion ensues.
(p. 18-25)
Bryan Grady and His Twin Brother Teddy, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator tells of a company of men travelling from N. S. W. to Victoria on Christmas Eve who entertain each other with stories. Dr. McMerry tells of his encounter on board ship thirteen years earlier with Bryan Grady, Mrs. Grady, their two daughters and five sons who had left Ireland destined for Australia to make a new life, and to search for Mr. Grady's long lost twin brother.
(p. 26-34)
Joey Goosgog and Jasper Spindle's Trip to Bondi Bay in a Pony Chaise Joey Goosgog and Jasper Spindle's Trip to Bondi Bay in a Pony Shay, Old Boomerang , single work short story
Two friends, inexperienced in driving horse-drawn carriages, attempt to drive from Richmond to Bondi for a birthday picnic, with calamitous results. They learn that bravado does not defeat ignorance and inexperience, and years later the lesson is brought to mind when one of them is invited to become a political representative.
(p. 35-53)
Poor Girl!, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The story relates the misfortunes of Mary May, seduced, promised marriage, jilted and left with an illegitimate child. Mary's mother dies of 'a broken heart' and her child also dies. A moral tale which warns of wealthy, unprincipled 'fast men', the story concludes with a promotional spiel, inviting charitable donations for the [Sydney] 'Female Refuge', where woman such as Mary May, 'polluted as she is... may find a refuge from the cold winds and still colder blasts of the world's scorn.'
(p. 54-63)
Old Daddy Gummy and Kitty Mayberry, Old Boomerang , single work short story humour
Jabez Gummy, aged 65, intends to marry Kitty Mayberry, aged 17. His friends thwart his plans, for the good of all concerned, and a happy ending results.
(p. 64-78)
'Old Bogies', Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator discusses the inadvisability of frightening children with threats in order to have them comply with parental directives. Several anecdotes are related which illustrate the undesirable outcomes of such techniques.
(p. 79-84)
Don't Lie Down and Fret, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator muses on misfortunes that befall people and the causes of such, and advocates a compassionate response from others, as well as offering comforting words to those afflicted.
(p. 85-90)
Sunshine in Winter, or, The Loves of Old Mr. and Mrs. Dovecott, Old Boomerang , single work novella

The courtship and marriage of the Dovecots, immigrants to New South Wales in the early days of the colony.The narrator ponders what it is that enables some married couples to stay happy well into their dotage, whilst others grow impatient and intolerant of each other.

(p. 91-130)
Widow Giles's Little Grocery Shop, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The story introduces the widow Giles as a model grocer of the 1860s. Her shop, and her ability to provide for her five children, was made possible by her late husband's fortunate decision to give up drinking and take out a life insurance policy.
(p. 131-137)
Commercial Hobgoblins, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator postulates that laughter could be a solution to pessimism within the financial and commercial sectors.
(p. 138-145)
'Why Don't You Speak to Him?', Old Boomerang , single work short story
Recounts the story of a sailor whom 'Old Boomerang' claims to have rescued from alcoholism and sin by speaking to him, and getting him to sign the Temperance pledge, successfully turning him into a gentleman.
(p. 146-151)
How the Knipps Family Kept 'Merry Christmas', Old Boomerang , single work short story
The Knipps family have a disastrous Christmas picnic in the bush.
(p. 152-159)
Two Noisy Boys In a Belfry, Old Boomerang , single work short story children's
Relates an anecdote of two boys who make a lot of noise in a belfry during a church service, and receive a sound beating from the beadle in consequence. The author connects this to some in Sydney who are 'wasting their substance in riotous living' and 'disturbing their peaceable neighbours'.
(p. 160-164)
Influenza Season, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator observes the arrival of winter, and of influenza, and how the effects of the illness upon ordinary people can be compounded by various adverse circumstances.
(p. 165-169)
Don't Forget Your Poor Old Mother!, Old Boomerang , single work short story
Presents a portrait of two contrasting sons - one remembers his old mother and looks after her in her old age - the other neglects his mother, who is destitute.
(p. 170-173)
A Rustic Love Story : Jonathan Sprouts and Phoebe Skimmer, Old Boomerang , single work short story
Jonathan is in love with Phoebe but at a loss as to how to go about wooing her, so months pass without any progress. When he finally does approach her and proposes a trip to Kissing Point, their outing does not go quite as he planned. Despite this, the desired outcome is achieved and they marry, raise a family and prosper.
(p. 174-201)
Note: Written in four numbered chapters.
Shrugs, Old Boomerang , single work short story
The narrator looks at instances when rumour and envy have been the ruination of innocent people. He exhorts readers to remain silent when their tongues would rather wag.
(p. 202-206)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

Australian Tales – by 'Old Boomerang' 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Freeman's Journal , 9 May vol. 19 no. 1309 1868; (p. 7)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
New Publication 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Illustrated Sydney News , 13 June vol. 4 no. 49 1868; (p. 379)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life by Old Boomerang 1868 single work advertisement
— Appears in: The Empire , 12 June no. 5168 1868; (p. 1) The Empire , 13 June no. 5169 1868; (p. 1)

An advertisement for Old Boomerang's Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life.

Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life, by Old Boomerang 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Empire , 2 May no. 5133 1868; (p. 5)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life by Old Boomerang 1868 single work advertisement
— Appears in: The Empire , 28 April no. 5129 1868; (p. 1) The Empire , 2 May no. 5133 1868; (p. 1)

An advertisement for Old Boomerang's Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life. Price: 5s; if posted, 6s.

Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life, by Old Boomerang 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Empire , 2 May no. 5133 1868; (p. 5)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
New Publication 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Illustrated Sydney News , 13 June vol. 4 no. 49 1868; (p. 379)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
Australian Tales – by 'Old Boomerang' 1868 single work review
— Appears in: The Freeman's Journal , 9 May vol. 19 no. 1309 1868; (p. 7)

— Review of Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life Old Boomerang , 1868 selected work short story novella
Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life by Old Boomerang 1868 single work advertisement
— Appears in: The Empire , 28 April no. 5129 1868; (p. 1) The Empire , 2 May no. 5133 1868; (p. 1)

An advertisement for Old Boomerang's Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life. Price: 5s; if posted, 6s.

Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life by Old Boomerang 1868 single work advertisement
— Appears in: The Empire , 12 June no. 5168 1868; (p. 1) The Empire , 13 June no. 5169 1868; (p. 1)

An advertisement for Old Boomerang's Australian Tales and Sketches from Real Life.

Last amended 23 Apr 2015 11:14:37
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