Books Published by C J Dennis
There are claims that the total number of books sold that were written by C J Dennis or by others publishing collections of his verse, exceed 1,000,000 copies. The details below are limited to just those books written by Dennis and the numbers quoted are drawn from Ian McLaren's work culminating in 1982. They total 700,000 copies for the 11 major works described below.
Dennis’s first major collection of poetry. The book established his reputation as a writer of Australian urban verse and bush ballads.
Publishing history: 1908 edition; estimated sales 3,000 copies.
Dennis’s most famous work, telling the story of Bill, a Melbourne larrikin who reforms after falling in love with Doreen. Written in Australian vernacular, it became one of the most successful books of poetry ever published in Australia.
Publishing history: Over 60 editions and reprints; more than 300,000 copies sold by 1982.
A companion work to The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke. The poem follows Bill’s friend Ginger Mick and includes episodes set during the First World War.
Publishing history: multiple editions; more than 84,000 copies sold by 1982.
A satirical book of fantasy poems about the imaginary land of Gosh, accompanied by illustrations by Hal Gye.
Publishing history: Several editions. more than 54,000 copies sold by 1982.
A Booklet of four romantic narrative poems continuing the story of Bill and Doreen.
Publishing history: Numerous editions; estimated sales over 110,000 copies in 1917 and 1918.
A collection of poems written during the First World War period, reflecting the experiences and sentiments of Australian soldiers returning home.
Publishing history: Several editions during and after the war, approx 29,000 copies sold by 1982..
A narrative poem set in rural Australia, contrasting city life with the values of the Australian bush.
Publishing history: Several editions; estimated sales around 10,000 copies by 1982.
A collection of humorous and imaginative poems written for children. This became one of Dennis’s most enduringly popular works.
Publishing history: Many editions; estimated sales exceeding 100,000 copies by 1982.
Another book of urban narrative poems written in Dennis’s characteristic Australian slang. Rose is the girl Ginger Mick left behind. This book completed the "Bloke" series.
Publishing history: Multiple editions; estimated sales over 7,000 copies by 1982.
A later collection of lyrical and reflective poems written during Dennis’s later years.
Publishing history: Only one edition was published, estimated sales were 2,000 copies by 1982.
During the First World War, Australian books were produced for distribution to Australian soldiers printed as small editions designed to fit in a soldiers top pocket. They were called pocket books for the trenches.
The series included Dennis works such as:
These pocket editions were distributed widely among members of the Australian Imperial Force in Australia and overseas.
Estimated circulation: more than 40,000 copies distributed. During the same period, the pocket books of A. B. Patterson and Will Ogolvie sold fewer than 10,000 copies.