Cirrus@Austlit

'A critical account of Hubert de Castella's book on mid-nineteenth century Victoria and its history, written to correct the negative image of Melbourne presented in Céleste de Chabrillan's Les Voleurs d'or and other contemporary books. When it comes to detail, Castella's writing is marred by factual inaccuracy and even his description of his personal experiences, although valuable and interesting in itself, tends to be unreliable.' (Editor's abstract)

'A brief biographical note on late nineteenth century francophile Melbourne journalist and intellectual James Smith and his wife Eliza, both enthusiastic supporters of French culture. They were founding members and office-bearers of the French Literary Club (1886) and the Alliance Française (1891), and subsequently also of the Dante Society (1896).' (Editor's abstract)

'This is a delayed obituary by his Australian wife, Margaret, of French academic Antoine Denat, born in Languedoc in France. The author describes Denat's intellectual interests (philosophy, poetry and literary criticism), the diversity and the wide scope of his contribution to the promotion of French culture in Australia and his academic career in Australian universities (Queensland, New England, Sydney and Melbourne). Antoine Denat died in Melbourne in 1976.' (Editor's abstract)