His Natural Life (The Academy Editions of Australian Literature)

Critical edition of a classic Australian convict novel, first published in the 1870s. It restores the original version, as revised by Clarke for the first book edition, published in 1874. It includes an introduction, a record of variants in later editions and a comparison with the much longer Australian Journal serialization of 1870-72. There are accompanying essays on the historical basis of the novel by Michael Roe and its adaptation to stage and screen by Elizabeth Webby. Also includes textual notes, explanatory notes and maps. Published simultaneously in hardcover and paperback. Clarke (1846-81) made his name as a journalist before joining the staff of the Public Library of Victoria, serving first as secretary to the trustees, then as sub-librarian. His other novels include 'Long Odds', serialised in the Colonial Monthly (1868-69) and published in book form in 1869. Stuart is a Research Associate of the School of Social and Political Enquiry, Faculty of Arts, Monash University.Clarke, Marcus is the author of 'His Natural Life (The Academy Editions of Australian Literature)' with ISBN 9780702231766 and ISBN 0702231762.