 First US edition | |
| Author | Henry Handel Richardson |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Heinemann, London W. W. Norton, New York |
Publication date | 1939 |
| Media type | Print Hardback & Paperback |
| Pages | 340 pp |
| Preceded by | Ultima Thule |
| Followed by | – |
The Young Cosima (1939) is the last novel by Australian writer Henry Handel Richardson. [1]
Set around 1850 the novel follows the composer Richard Wagner as he fights for recognition and details his relationships with Franz Liszt, Hans von Buelow and his wife Cosima von Buelow (who later married Wagner).
A reviewer in The Argus was very impressed with the book: "Great novelist that she is Henry Handel Richardson has now written an historical romance which should make her name better known among the rank and file of readers Her famous Australian trilogy, The Fortunes of Richard Mahony swept her into the front rank of contemporary writers, but its appeal was not to the majority...The Young Cosima is a capital novel. With its magnificent portraits of nineteenth century personages, its dramatic accounts of the making of mighty music, its subtleties, its humour, and its tragedy, it carries the reader through some of the most stirring periods in the careers of its principals Miss Richardson has taken infinite pains to ensure the fidelity of her portraits" [2]
In a short review in The Sydney Morning Herald the reviewer points to the craft behind the work: "Gleaning facts from a number of sources, listed at the back of the book, Miss Richardson has built up a vivid and moving romantic novel. The period, circa 1850, so close to our own in time, is far enough removed in outlook and habit of thought to appear remote. This factor, though not stressed, is subtly used in order to present the characters as something more than life size. An unusual and often subtle interpretation of some of the facts lends freshness and emphasis to incidents and situations which have already become more or less historically stereotyped. The dialogue has, except in moments of passion and excitement, that slight stiffness appropriate to the nineteenth century." [3]
Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson, known by her pen name Henry Handel Richardson, was an Australian author.
Francesca Gaetana Cosima Wagner was the daughter of the Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt and Franco-German romantic author Marie d'Agoult. She became the second wife of the German composer Richard Wagner, and with him founded the Bayreuth Festival as a showcase for his stage works; after his death she devoted the rest of her life to the promotion of his music and philosophy. Commentators have recognised Cosima as the principal inspiration for Wagner's later works, particularly Parsifal.
The Australian Literature Society Gold Medal is awarded annually by the Association for the Study of Australian Literature for "an outstanding literary work in the preceding calendar year." From 1928 to 1974 it was awarded by the Australian Literature Society, then from 1983 by the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, when the two organisations were merged.
The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers' Advocate was a newspaper published in Parramatta with coverage and circulation incorporating Greater Western Sydney and parts of North-West Sydney, Australia. First published on 24 September 1887, the paper continued under this title until issue No. 3397, on 15 March 1950, when the newspaper was officially renamed the Cumberland Argus. It remained under this banner for a further 12 years until it ceased publication on 24 October 1962.
Hilda Stewart Reid was an English novelist and historian. Her four novels, published between 1928 and 1939, are Phillida, Two Soldiers and a Lady, Emily, and Ashley Hamel.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1939.
The River Baptists (2007) is a novel by Australian author Belinda Castles. It won The Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 2006.
Return to Coolami (1936) is a novel by Australian author Eleanor Dark. It won the ALS Gold Medal for Best Novel in 1936.
T. Inglis Moore (1901-1978) was an Australian writer, anthologist and academic who was born in Camden, New South Wales.
The Beauties and Furies (1936) is a novel by Australian writer Christina Stead.
House of All Nations (1938) is a novel by Australian writer Christina Stead.
Some Everyday Folk and Dawn (1909) is a novel by Australian writer Miles Franklin.
Prelude to Waking : A Novel in the First Person and Parentheses (1950) is a novel by Australian writer Miles Franklin, which was originally published under the author's pseudonym "Brent of Bin Bin".
Maurice Guest (1908) is the debut novel by Australian writer Henry Handel Richardson.
Ride on Stranger (1943) is a novel by Australian writer Kylie Tennant.
The Lemon Farm (1935) is a novel by Australian author Martin Boyd.
The Cousin from Fiji (1945) is a novel by Australian writer and artist Norman Lindsay.
Margaret Barr was an Australian choreographer and teacher of dance-drama who worked in the United States, England, New Zealand and Australia. During a career of more than sixty years, she created over eighty works.
The Howson family was a show-business dynasty founded in Australia, several of whose members went on to further success in America, London and Europe.
The Family at Misrule (1895) is a novel for children by Australian writer Ethel Turner. It is a sequel to the author's 1894 novel Seven Little Australians. The novel was originally published in the UK by Ward, Lock & Co. in 1895.