JOHN CLAVERING WOOD could not have hoped for a more successful debut for his novel penned 145 years ago. 150 people gathered at the congenially-historic Mercy Heritage Precinct under miraculously clear skies to enjoy a socially, intellectually and historically interesting afternoon.
The unexpected and unofficial attendance of a high-profile public figure, who wished to pay tribute to John Clavering Wood’s achievement, was the cherry on what was already a well-iced cake.
Newly-elected President of the Brisbane History Group, LISA JONES, welcomed attendees in the beautiful All Hallows’ Chapel, before handing over to DAVID HINCHLIFFE, Councillor for Brisbane Central, who discharged his ‘mastery of ceremonies’ with consummate skill and humour.
GUEST OF HONOUR, Ian Callinan AC QC provided a 20-minute address in which he expressed surprise at the novelist’s detailed grasp of the essentials of colonial outback life. Despite difficulties with the microphone, David elicited from the retired High Court Justice the pivotal one-line verdict: “It is a very important book”.
The publisher is the one who enables a manuscript to see the light of day, so DAN KELLY of Boolarong Press, put his case in a nutshell: “You are not purchasing a book, but making an investment.” Whether it was this point, or David’s repeated requests for those who hadn’t yet bought a book to raise their hands, the result was 90 sales of the softback edition and several inquiries about the hardback version.
In his reply, GERARD BENJAMIN paid tribute not only to his fellow-editor GLORIA GRANT, but also his second cousin twice removed RICHARD WOOD who generously gave the manuscript to Gerard.
Following afternoon tea and tours of the centre, the seminar commenced with the editors’ remarkable account of what historians and genealogists only dream about – finding a long-lost manuscript of historic and literary importance.
Professor PATRICK BUCKRIDGE offered an absorbing account of how the novel was comprised of several different literary styles and themes. If the result appeared somehow ‘unpolished’ in part, whereby the ‘stitches’ were visible, this only added to the understanding of how the author constructed his narrative. Besides, the editors verified that the manuscript was unedited as regards content, in contrast to most books which undergo significant editorial modification before they are published. Patrick’s illuminating examination will be available in a coming issue of the Queensland Review along with an extract from the novel.
ROD FISHER spelt out Tom Hurstbourne’s historical perspectives, contrasting it with an earlier novel, Fern-Vale (1862) which was published in London. Its author, Colin Munro, later became a Brisbane shop-keeper.
Gloria and Gerard were kept busy throughout the whole afternoon signing copies of the book. Costumed members of Dance Kaleidosocope entertained attendees and helped to evoke the 1860s era.
How happy John Clavering Wood must have been that six of his direct descendants were present, as well as his grandnephew, Richard Wood, who had travelled all the way from Melbourne just to be there.
Who was the mystery guest? None other than the gracious, intelligent and down-to-earth Penelope Wensley AO, Governor of Queensland.
Grateful thanks to Chris Derrick for the excellent photographic record of the event (plus last photo by Gaye Fitzpatrick)
Gloria, I can’t wait to read the story. Best wishes, Terry Murphy
It’s not often you have a Governor and a former High Court Judge attending and presiding over the launch of a book that is seeing the light of day for the first time in almost 150 years! Congratulations Gerard and Gloria for another magnificent achievement in revealing our history. Add this coup to your superb efforts with ‘Reflections on New Farm’ (selling more books at Mary Ryans in New Farm than all Harry Potter books combined!). Rod, Pat , Ian, and Her Excellency made the afternoon a standout success. Congratulations. David Hinchliffe
Congratulations on publishing our great-great-grandfather’s book! I would have loved to attend the launch but it was a bit far to travel up from Ballarat.
Now I just have to order a copy !
Rob