1889 - 1979
I’ve recently come across a collection of 11 first edition, hard cover books — all national editions written by Ion L. Idriess and published by Angus & Robertson Ltd in 1941. Each one is signed by Idriess himself.
The titles are:
The Cattle King
Forty Fathoms Deep
The Yellow Joss
Over the Range
Our next Idriess Archive catalogue is live!
It is clear while perusing our latest catalogue that Idriess was a likeable character. He was also who and a prolific letter writer and a passionate researcher. His observations of Australia and its people was written in a way that the Australian Public could relate.
Our next catalogue is from the Ion Idriess estate. The items are unique and include a collection of letters, research notes and published and unpublished stories and drafts. They are on many interesting subjects from military to mining to agriculture to travel and adventure and more.
Along with the many enthusiastic fan letters, you will see letters from familiar publishing figures like Angus and Robertson’s editor Walter Cousins, War Correspondent John Hetherington, and The Observer’s owner William MacFarlin, Frank Hodge, editor of the New Zealand Herald.
There are also numerous letters from universities around the world including Princeton,…
This upcoming auction of materials from the estate of Ion Idriess includes a wide range of materials, ranging from original manuscript books to letters and ephemera. It represents a unique opportunity for collectors of Ion Idriess – and Australian literature more generally – to acquire original manuscript and archival materials by (and related to) this iconic Australian author.
Some highlights include letters relating to gold mining leases at Ophir, with discussion of ancient megafauna bones (lot number 58). Letters to and from miners across Australia feature prominently in this outstanding auction.
Also upcoming in this auction is an uncorrected proof copy of Idriess’ book on fighting in New Guinea titled Trapping the Jap, from the Second World War Guerilla series. See lot number 67.
Of special interest is correspondence to Idriess from other veterans of Gallipoli and the Middle Eastern campaigns during the First World War. Following the success of…
12 noon Sunday 17th November
This upcoming auction of materials from the estate of Ion Idriess includes a wide range of materials, ranging from original manuscript books to letters and ephemera. It represents a unique opportunity for collectors of Ion Idriess – and Australian literature more generally – to acquire original manuscript and archival materials by (and related to) this iconic Australian author.
Some highlights include letters relating to gold mining leases at Ophir, with discussion of ancient megafauna bones (Lot 58). Letters to and from miners across Australia feature prominently in this outstanding auction.
Also upcoming in this auction is an uncorrected proof copy of Idriess’ book on fighting in New Guinea titled Trapping the Jap, from the Second World War Guerilla series (Lot 67).
Of special interest is correspondence to Idriess from other veterans of Gallipoli and the Middle Eastern campaigns during the First World War. Following the…
Another lot of lots from Paul Feain from the Idriess estate, with something for all Idriess aficionados- items ranging from $30 to $4400 (Reserve prices). I'd probably like to be able to afford more than the $30 lots!
Thank you, Joe, this is an interesting set. For more information about this National Edition, see the Bibliography on this site - then click on Other Idriess Works. You will note there that this 1941 edition is the second publication of the National Edition, the first being in 1939. You will also see that your set is incomplete - the 12th Volume, Madman's Island, is missing. The value - probably a rather dated valuation now - is put at between $400 and $600 for a complete 1941 set - in Very Good condition. It is hard to tell from a couple of photos, but they seem okay.
Now let me get down to specifics. While the lack of a complete set may lessen the value, I don't think it would be that much - $50 to $100 at the most. Against this is that the valuation, especially if the set is in good to very good condition, should in my opinion, be more than $400 to $600 - perhaps a minimum of $500. These were the war years and I think it is significant that valuable paper was allowed for such a large volume printing. Add to that is that they are all signed by Idriess. He was a prolific signer, but here, if the two inscriptions are any indication, there is variety in the signing and indeed one at least is dated (1944). Now I don't think an Idriess signature doubles the value of a book of his, but I would think it adds 20% to 50% value.
But for me the most significant thing about these books is the provenance - who they were owned by; and to whom Idriess addresses his inscriptions - and it is to one Mervyn Finlay. A quick Google search reveals that there is a Mervyn Finlay, solicitor, in Sydney in the 1940's and his son, also Mervyn Finlay (Mervyn David Finlay). This is a sufficiently unusual name that it is more than probable that this set belonged to one, if not both, of these Finlay's. And with the son - Jackpot! Mervyn Finlay, Junior - RAAF pilot, Olympian, QC, Judge. In other words, a person of significance and standing. And for me as a collector, that would increase the value of the set, although not all collectors would have that mindset.
Personally I do not have any National Edition books in my collection - I have concentrated on the very first editions and refrained from later editions, including the National Edition - but a set like this, signed by Idriess and probably owned by the late Mervyn Finlay, QC - would be a good reason for me to purchase a National Edition. So I would think this set, even lacking Vol 12, would be $500 to $800 - or even up to $1000 for the right buyer.
I hope this is helpful, Joe.
Craig Siggins