07 Aug 2024
Abstract graphic illustration detail from the the front cover of the book 'Telling Lives'.
Front cover detail from the 'Telling Lives' book cover.

Telling Lives: The Seymour Biography Lecture 2005–2023 edited by Chris Wallace

‘What we now want from a biography, or autobiography, is the very thing that Virginia Woolf said that we have no right to want: art. Not only art, obviously, but art nevertheless. And we love the illumination of dark corners of the soul, having quite a few of our own, if we're honest with ourselves.’ - Robert Dessaix

Presented annually at the National Library from 2005 to 2023, the Seymour Biography Lecture was a platform for eminent biographers, autobiographers and memoirists to share their insights. From political profiles to poignant poems, these lectures examine the philosophical foundations of biography and the delicate art of truthfully portraying a life.

Telling Lives is a captivating anthology of these lectures, featuring contributions from 17 renowned authors:

  • Dr Brenda Niall
  • Professor Lawrence Goldman 
  • Emeritus Professor Jill Roe
  • Richard Holmes 
  • Dr David Day 
  • Professor Frances Spalding
  • Robert Dessaix 
  • Professor Jeffrey Meyers 
  • Drusilla Modjeska 
  • Professor Ray Monk 
  • Robert Drewe 
  • David Marr 
  • Raimond Gaita 
  • Richard Fidler 
  • Emeritus Professor Judith Brett
  • Jacqueline Kent 
  • Professor Chris Wallace

Spanning the breadth of Australian cultural, artistic and political life, as well as exploring international examples, this collection sheds light on the enigmatic figures who have shaped our world.

The collection features thought-provoking topics such as Biography and the Struggle for the Soul of Australia by Jill Roe (2007), Truth. Truthfulness. Self. Voice. by Raimond Gaita (2017) and Honouring the Biographer's Contract by Chris Wallace (2023). With engaging storytelling and a touch of humour, the lectures captivate audiences and offer a deeper understanding of the art of life-writing.

Telling Lives will be released in September 2024.

Additional Information 

The front cover of the book 'Telling Lives'.

The editor, Chris Wallace, is available for interviews.

The book cover for media use is available for download via Dropbox.

Contact

Mirelle O'Mara, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

M: 0401 226 697

E: media@nla.gov.au

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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