Roy BRIDGES Assembly
Tasmania's most prolific author represented here by 12 of his 36 published novels, a letter to a publisher and a publicity photographic portrait.
The manuscript is to the NSW Bookstall Company a two page (written one side) letter to the Managing Director G. Rowlandson from a Glen Iris address, no date but about 1920s (mentions Vat of Tyre).
Written to accompany a fiction MS which is not one promised earlier….'it is not the detective yarn. I didn't like the way the thing started, so I discontinued it in the fourth chapter. I've written this yarn, having in view both a film and the English as well as the Australian sales.'
Continues on how the English seem to prefer longer stories…'I ordinarily write 70,000 to 100,000 words for H&S (Hodder & Stoughton)'. Says this MS is set around 1880 using a Mount Buffalo setting…'but I haven't mentioned the Buffalo as I don't like being tied down by nature. It spoils 'art'.
An insight into the mind and aspirations of a 'jobbing' writer as much of this relates to meeting the market.
'P.S. Treatment of yarn can of course be amended if necessary.'
Roy Bridges (1885-1952) spent most of his rather reclusive life at Wood's Farm, Sorrel.
Letter is toned, short edge tears and dog-ears, pin tear to top margin.
The books are overall in fair to good condition, 3 are inscribed by the author, Cloud, Rat's Castle and Bubble Moon. Some with previous owners names or lending library stamps.





Estimate $100-180