Backblock Ballads and Later Verses

C. J. Dennis

First Published: 1918

Cover illustration by Hal Gye

Dust-jacket Synopsis

Dustjacket synopsis:
"First published in 1918, Backblock Ballads and Later Verses presents some of the material from Dennis's first book (1913) and additional verses, together with Hal Gye's inimitable illustrations.

"The collection reveals Dennis's wide range of voices and concerns. The Backblock Ballads, as distinct from the Later Verses, show his abiity to use the customary bush themes with the expected atmosphere, but with a special sharpness and an unusual adroitness in making fun of thngs. The Later Verses display similar qualities of insight and humour. "Paw" is an amusing satire on rich and selfish snobbery; "The Austral-aise" was his award-winning submission for a national song, which contains in every line a blank space representing the word "bloody" (considered unprintable in those times); "'Urry!" is a warm appraisal of a woman's lot; and in "A Guide for Poits" Dennis in self-mockery reveals a small part of the recipe for his success. Others, such as "Work or Reflection" and "K'shoo" are just sheer good fun.

"The wonderfully varied collection, unavailable for so many years, will be welcomed by all who have enjoyed the work of the sentimental bloke."

Contents

• The Lovers
• "Got-a-Fag"
• The Chase of Ages
• A Guide for Poits
• Grimbles and the Gnad
• Langwidge
• The Joy Ride
• The Homeward Track
• 'Urry
• Hopeful Hawkins
• Weary
• Hymn of Futility
• A Song of Rain
• The Cultured Constable
• My Poor Relation
• The Boon of Discontent
• Son of a Fool
• The Silent Member
• Cow
• The High Priest
• The Philistine
• Work or Reflection
• The March
• The Little Homes
• The Bridge Across the Crick
• K'shoo
• The Minglers
• The Austra-laise
• Sore Throat
• When the Sun's Behind the Hill
• Timberland
• The Bore
• Vulgar Fractions