
The NSW Bookstall Company has a rich history of promoting Australian literature. They started publishing books in 1910.
One of their earliest publications was the Australian Writers' Series, which showcased the work of prominent Australian authors. This series helped to establish the company's reputation for supporting local talent.
The NSW Bookstall Company's commitment to Australian literature has had a lasting impact on the country's literary scene.
Establishing the Company
The NSW Bookstall Company was established in 1903 to supply books to schools in New South Wales.
It was a state government initiative, with the aim of providing affordable textbooks to students.
The company's first depot was set up in Sydney, with a team of experienced staff to manage the operation.
The NSW Bookstall Company's early years were marked by steady growth, with a significant increase in book sales.
By 1914, the company had expanded to include a range of educational resources, including maps, charts, and other teaching aids.
The company's success can be attributed to its efficient logistics system, which allowed for quick and reliable delivery of books to schools across the state.
Over time, the NSW Bookstall Company became an essential part of the education system in New South Wales.
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Australian Literature
Australian writers like Steele Rudd made a living from their writing, thanks to the NSW Bookstall Company. The company was a great idea that prospered, especially in 1922 when Australia's population was around five and a half million people.
The Bookstall Company's books, known as "yellowbacks", were cheap and paper-bound, like little magazines. They were a common sight in Australian households, including the family in Seven Little Australians, who bought some to take on the train.
Some of these yellowbacks sold in impressive numbers, with sales figures of three to four million, which is a testament to their popularity.
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Manuscripts Collection, State Library of New South Wales
The State Library of New South Wales is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts, and one of its most valuable collections is the Mitchell and Dixson Libraries Manuscripts Collection.
This collection includes records of the New South Wales Bookstall Company, which date back to 1909 and continue until 1938. The records are part of the MLMSS 3530 collection.
The collection is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering insights into the publishing industry and literary scene of the time.
A unique perspective: A&M Records
16 Thoughts on Australian Literature: 1922

Australian literature has a rich history, and 1922 was a significant year for the industry.
The population of Australia in 1922 was about five and a half million people.
The Bookstall company was a great idea that helped Australian writers make a living.
It prospered together with Steele Rudd, who was the only Australian writer to make a living from his writing for many years.
The Bookstall company sold a lot of books - three to four million, which is pretty impressive.
This was a significant number considering the small population of Australia at the time.
The books sold by the Bookstall company were often referred to as "yellowbacks."
They were paper-bound, like little magazines, and were a popular choice for readers.
The Bookstall company's books were affordable and accessible to many readers.
In fact, the cost of books was relatively low, making them a staple for many families.
Here are some prices of books mentioned in the discussion:
The affordability of books played a significant role in making reading accessible to many people.
This is evident in the discussion about book fairs and how they allowed kids to select books from a catalog and receive them a few weeks later.
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Titles and Collections
The NSW Bookstall Company has a vast collection of titles that showcase the diversity of Australian literature. This list of titles is a great starting point for anyone interested in exploring the company's publications.
Some notable titles include "The Owl of Darkness" by Malcolm Afford, "Eros! Eros Wins!" by F. Agar, and "The Mare with the Silver Hoof" by Bob Allen. These titles give us a glimpse into the types of stories that were being published by the company.
The company's collection also includes titles like "In Racing Silk" by Gerald R. Baldwin, "The Little Giants of the East" by George W. Bell, and "Lonely Lands" by Francis E. Birtles. These titles highlight the company's interest in publishing stories about Australian life and culture.
One of the most interesting aspects of the NSW Bookstall Company's collection is the variety of authors who contributed to it. Some notable authors include John X. Cameron, R. J. Cassidy, and Charles Chauvel, who all wrote titles that are now part of the company's legacy.
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Here are some of the notable titles from the company's collection, organized by author:
- Malcolm Afford: Owl of Darkness
- F. Agar: Eros! Eros Wins!
- Bob Allen: The Mare with the Silver Hoof
- Gerald R. Baldwin: In Racing Silk
- George W. Bell: The Little Giants of the East
- Francis E. Birtles: Lonely Lands
- John X. Cameron: The Spell of the Bush
- R. J. Cassidy: Chandler of Corralinga
- Charles Chauvel: Uncivilised
- E. F. Christie: The Calling Voice
- George Cockerill: The Convict Pugilist
- Dale Collins: Stolen or Strayed
- Arthur Crocker: The Dingo Pup
- Paul Cupid: The Rival Physicians
- George Darrell: The Belle of the Bush
- Aiden de Bruno: The Carson Loan Mystery
- Don Delaney: The Captain of the Gang
- A. R. Falk: Puppets of Chance
- J. D. Fitzgerald: Children of the Sunlight
- Mabel Forrest: A Bachelor's Wife
- Beatrice Grimshaw: The Coral Queen
- A. E. Jobson: The Adventures of Russell Howard
- Cecil Ross Johnston: The Trader
- Robert Kaleski: Australian Barkers and Biters
- A. R. Kent: A Chinese Vengeance
- Norman Lindsay: A Curate in Bohemia
- H. R. McDuffie: Rooks and Crooks
- Claude McKay and Harry Julius: Theatrical Caricatures
- Jack McLaren: Feathers of Heaven
- William Monckton: Three Years with Thunderbolt
- Jack North: The Black Opal
- Harrison Owen: The Mount Marunga Mystery
- Vance Palmer: The Boss of Killara
- Sydney Partrige: Rocky Section
- Sydney Partrige and Cecil Raworth: The Mystery of Wall's Hill
- S. W. Powell: The Closed Lagoon
- Clement Pratt: Caloola
- "Rata" (Thomas Richard Roydhouse): The Coloured Conquest
- Broda Reynolds: Dawn Asper
- Charles Rodda: Cerise and Gold
- Ivan Archer Rosenblum: Marjorie of Blue Lake
- W. Sabelburg: The Key of the Mystery
- John Sandes: Love and the Aeroplane
- Charles E. Sayers: The Jumping Double
- H. M. Somer: Base Brands
- Edward S. Sorenson: Murty Brown
- R. S. Tait: Scotty Mac, Shearer
- Taylor: Campaign Cartoons
- Harry Tighe: The Man of Sympathy
- Robert Waldron: The Flying Doctor
These titles are just a few examples of the many stories that the NSW Bookstall Company published over the years.
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