Random Verse

C. J. Dennis

Edited by Margaret Herron, 1952

Dust-jacket Synopsis

"The publication of a new volume of verse from the pen of C. J. Dennis is an event of literary importance to Australia. Although it is well over thirty years since "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" brought C. J. Dennis from obscurity to the front rank of Australian poetry, today he still remains Australia's most popular poet.

"When Dennis died in 1938, he left among his papers a wealth of unpublished verse and writings. It is a fitting postscript to his earlier works that his widow should have been entrusted with making this delightful selection of "Random Verse," for no other person knew better every mood and thought of this pungent philosopher and lord of "slanguage." Readers will agree with Mrs. Dennis that her salvage has been well worth while.

"Apart from the humorous slang which punctuates much of this verse, its greatest appeal will be found in the humour, pathos, sentiment and kindly view of human nature. It is the type of verse which makes one feel that, come what may, life still is good. Here, then, is something to quicken the senses and bring a smile or two, from one sentimental bloke to another."

Foreword by the Editor

In making this selection of verses from the many that appeared in the Melbourne "Herald" during C. J. Dennis's association with that paper, I found myself in a quandary. There was so much to choose from. Which verses would I use, and which put aside for future reference?

I have used very little political verse, although politics are much the same as they were when the verses were written, but politicians come and politicians go, and few people remember those who have gone.

I have tried to give the reader an idea of the many facets of the poet's work. There is some laughter, there are some tears, and there is much to give quiet enjoyment to the thoughtful.

C. J. Dennis has been dead over twelve years, and in reading through the verse I was amazed at the freshness of it and how very applicable some of it is to the present time.

John Masefield, England's Poet Laureate, said, on the death of Dennis, that it would be a great pity if such a terrific amount of good work should be forgotten. I have tried to rescue some of it, and think my salvage has been worth while.

Random Verse

Dust-jacket Synopsis

Foreword by the Editor

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