The Sentimental Bloke, by C.J. Dennis

It’s Australia Day here, so I wanted to publish something quintessentially Australian by way of celebration. The Magic Puddingwould have been good, but it’s still under copyright. And I’d already published For the term of his natural life, a grim tale of convict life, which in any event would not be a cheerful celebration.

So finally, after two or three minutes of careful deliberation, I decided upon The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, by  C. J. Dennis. This is a tale — in verse — of a likely lad from Sydney, who is reformed when he meets, woos and marries the love of his life, Doreen.

Beautifully illustrated by Hal Gye.

Happy Australia Day!