 First edition | |
| Author | Ruth C. Williams |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Publisher | Angus and Robertson |
Publication date | 1950 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 145pp |
| Preceded by | Timothy Tatters |
| Followed by | The Aboriginal Story |
Verity of Sydney Town (1950) is a children's book by Australian author Ruth C. Williams; it was illustrated by her husband Rhys Williams. It was won the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1951. [1]
This is an historical novel for children set in Sydney in the colony of New South Wales during the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Verity Asherton is a 12-year daughter of a sea captain who is missing, and believed dead, by everyone other than Verity.
A reviewer in The Catholic Weekly noted that the book "is beautifully written and so full of charm and interest that it should be a 'must' for all young readers, boys as well as girls." [2]
The Children's Book Week judges reported: "'Verity of Sydney Town' is easily and sincerely written. The narrative flows smoothly, and the turn of phrase keeps the picture within the frame of the period presented — the days of Governor Macquarie. The period atmosphere has been vividly recreated, and is evidently based upon sound historical research. The background, however, is never allowed to become obtrusive, so that the balance of the narrative is not upset. The treatment of character is sympathetic — even the minor characters are alive. The illustrations are attractive, authentic, and help in the successful recreation of the period atmosphere in the book. They have been carefully placed to meet the text at the point which they illustrate. In this aspect the book is an interesting example of sympathetic teamwork between author and artist. The book has been designed and produced with imagination and good taste." [3]
Major General Lachlan Macquarie, CB was a British Army officer and colonial administrator from Scotland. Macquarie served as the fifth Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821, and had a leading role in the social, economic, and architectural development of the colony. He is considered by historians to have had a crucial influence on the transition of New South Wales from a penal colony to a free settlement and therefore to have played a major role in the shaping of Australian society in the early nineteenth century.
Jennifer June Rowe,, is an Australian author. Her crime fiction for adults is published under her own name, while her children's fiction is published under the pseudonyms Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson.
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Sea Menace (1958) is a novel for children by Australian author John Gunn, illustrated by Brian Keogh. It was joint winner of the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1959.
Ruth C. Williams (1897-1982) was an Australian writer for children who was born in London England. In 1950, she received the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers for Verity of Sydney Town.
Good Luck to the Rider (1953) is the first children's book by Australian author Joan Phipson; it was illustrated by Margaret Horder. It was joint winner of the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1953.
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