Guide to the Papers of David Martin
MS 6885
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Collection Summary
- Creator
- David Martin
- Title
- Papers of David Martin
- Date Range
- 1915-1997
- Collection Number
- MS 6885
- Extent
- 13.86 metres (99 boxes + 1 large folio box + 7 sound/av carriers + 6 digital carriers)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Scope and Contents
There are papers relating to all of Martin's published works, which include novels, poetry, children's books, short stories, non-fiction and TV and radio scripts. Many of the works include notes, synopses, research material, work outlines and edited drafts, illustrating Martin's creative processes. Those works with more substantial papers have been listed separately. Complementing this material is a large number of cuttings, mostly reviews, relating to these works.
A large collection of both personal and business correspondence is included. Martin corresponded with many of Australia's well known authors, some of whom became personal friends. There is also correspondence with editors, publishers and literary agents, providing a good insight into the processes involved in getting works to the publication stage and beyond.
There is a large collection of cuttings accumulated by Martin of his contributions to newspapers and journals over the course of his career, dating from 1942. It should be noted that during the earlier part of his career, Martin also published works under the name Ludwig Detsinyi, Louis Detsinyi, Louis Destiny and Louis Adams.
Martin's wife, Richenda, was closely involved in his work and her editorial comments have been included with many of his drafts.
Conditions Governing Access
Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1111685).
Conditions Governing Use
Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of David Martin, National Library of Australia [class number, box number and series and/or file number]'.
Provenance
The main body of David Martin Papers was acquired partly under the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme and partly by outright purchase by the National Library in September 1983. Additional instalments were purchased over the period 1985-97. The papers document the long career of one of Australia's most prolific writers.
Related Materials
Martin's correspondence includes a number of letters from MirjamMichaelis. Also held in the Manuscript Section at MS 8466 is a collection of letters from David Martin to MirjamMichaelis, 1937-83, which were donated to the Library by Michaelis.
The Library's Oral History Collection holds a number of tapes relating to Martin. A list of these can be found in Appendix III(under Related Documentation tab)
Arrangement
Martin's arrangement of the correspondence has been retained. An index to correspondents in Series 2, literary correspondence, can be found in Appendix I,(under Related Documentation tab)and to Series 4, political activities can be found in Appendix II.(under Related Documentation tab)
Bibliography
David Martin's published works include: 1942 Battlefields and girls 1946 Tiger Bay 1946 The shoes men walk in 1946 The shepherd and the hunter 1949 Birth of a miner 1950 The stones of Bombay 1953 From life 1954 Rob the robber 1958 Poems of David Martin 1938-58 1961 Spiegel the cat 1962 The young wife 1963 Eight by eight 1965 The hero of too 1966 The gift: poems 1959-65 1967 The King between 1968 The idealist 1969 Where a man belongs 1970 On the road to Sydney 1971 Hughie 1972 Frank and Francesca 1972 Gary 1973 The Chinese boy 1974 The cabby's daughter 1974 Katie 1975 Mister P and his remarkable flight 1977 The devilish mystery of the flying mum 1978 The man in the red turban 1978 I'll take Australia 1978 The mermaid attack 1980 I rhyme my time 1981 Foreigners 1983 Peppino 1984 Armed neutrality for Australia 1985 The girl who didn't know Kelly 1987 Fox on my door 1987 The kitten who wouldn't purr 1988 Clowning Sim 1991 My strange friend: an autobiography 1993 David Martin's Beechworth book: poems
Biographical Note
David Martin was a novelist, poet, playwright, journalist, editor, literary reviewer and lecturer.
He was born in Budapest, Hungary on 22 December 1915, one of twin sons, to Leo and Hedwig Detsinyi. He was given the name Ludwig and his brother Rudolph. He adopted the name of David Martin after he moved to England.
Martin was educated in Germany and during his last year at school he wrote his first poem. He left Germany in 1934, travelling to Holland, where he worked on the reclamation of the Zuider Zee, spent time in Hungary and lived in Israel on a kibbutz. In 1937 he travelled to Spain where he served as a volunteer in the medical service of the International Brigade of the Spanish Republican Army, his poor eyesight preventing him from more active service.
In 1938 Martin joined his father in London, working in his clothing factory. Although he spoke no English on his arrival, he was a gifted linguist and within twelve months was publishing poetry, which he had written in English. In 1941 he was employed in Glasgow as a correspondent with the Daily Express. He returned to London where he was employed by the European Service of the BBC until 1944, and in 1945-47 he was literary editor of Reynolds News. In 1948 he travelled to India as British correspondent for the Daily Express. In 1941, Martin married Elizabeth Richenda Powell, great-granddaughter of the Quaker Elizabeth Fry. They had one son, Jan.
In 1949 the family moved to Australia. They settled in Melbourne, where Martin commenced work as a freelance journalist and editor of The Australian Jewish News. He quickly became part of Australian literary and political life. He joined the Communist Party in 1951, was active until 1956 and remained a member until 1959, when he was asked to resign.
Apart from several trips overseas, Martin was to spend the rest of his life in Australia. He continued to work in journalism, both in Australia and overseas. He had weekly current affairs columns in Free Press (1951-52) and the Sunday Observer (1969-71) and was foreign correspondent for the Indian newspaper Hindu (c1946-67) and for the Canadian newspaper The Montreal Star (c1966-69). In addition, he contributed an enormous number of articles, short stories and reviews to a variety of newspapers and journals, covering a diverse range of topics.
His first book - a collection of his poetry - was published in 1942. He went on to publish a number of books, which included further collections of his poetry, novels, short stories, children's books, plays and his autobiography. It is a remarkable achievement that he was able to write so successfully in such a variety of genres. Many of his works have been published overseas and some have been adapted for theatre and television.
For a number of years, Martin lectured on literary related topics for the Victorian Centre for Adult Education. As well as lecturing, Martin was often approached to speak about his work at literary events and to community groups.
In the Times Literary Supplement of 24 December 1964, Martin was referred to as 'Australia's outstanding literary acquisition from post-war migration' and in The Age of 10 March 1979, Walter McVitty referred to Martin as 'a writer who continues to enrich Australian literature in general and serious children's literature in particular'. Both these statements reflect the high esteem in which Martin was held by the literary community.
In 1988, Martin was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Australian literature. He also won the Patrick White Award in 1991 and was given an Emeritus Award by the Literature Fund of the Australia Council in 1996.
David Martin died in Beechworth, Victoria, on 1 July 1997.
Item Descriptions
Class MS 6885. Original consignment
The bulk of the collection details Martin's tremendous literary output during the course of his career. There are papers relating to all of Martin's published works. These include notes, synopses, research material, edited drafts and reviews. There is a large collection of personal and business correspondence. Included is correspondence with family, editors, publishers and literary agents. Martin also corresponded with many well known Australian authors and included in the collection are letters from Phillip Adams, June Factor, Miles Franklin, Dame Mary Gilmore, Dorothy Hewett, Ken and Amirah Inglis, Nancy Keesing, John Manifold, Leonard Mann, Tom Inglis Moore, Pixie O'Harris, A.A. Phillips, Katharine Susannah Prichard and Kylie Tennant. Also included is a large collection of cuttings of Martin's contributions to newspapers and journals over the course of his career, dating from 1942..
Series 1. General correspondence, 1937-91
This series comprises a large collection of business correspondence and personal correspondence from both family and close friends. In some instances, Martin had arranged the correspondence into separate files. Mostly, however, the correspondence is interfiled. Family correspondents include Martin's father and mother, his sisters, his twin brother Rudolph Detsinyi, his wife Richenda, his son Jan and his cousin Charles Hayes. Folders 6-9 in particular contain a number of letters from Martin's family. Family friends include Bill Irwin, journalist and newspaper editor and Dr MiryamMichaelis. After emigrating to Israel, Michaelis commenced writing poetry in German and Hebrew. Many of her letters are in German. There is also correspondence from the Kingsbury family in India, for whom Martin set up a program of financial support.
Prior to 1969, Martin filed business correspondence, correspondence relating to political activities and academic correspondence separately to general correspondence. These categories of correspondence can be found at Series 3, 4 and 5 respectively. After this date, Martin filed all correspondence together. Until 1977, he also filed literary correspondence separately and this can be found at Series 2. After this date letters from writers were included in general correspondence, and many of the writers listed in Appendix I(under Related Documentation tab) can also be found in this Series, Other notable writers in this series include Ralph de Boissière, Lloyd Davies, Elizabeth Jolley, Walter McVitty and Olive Pell.
General correspondence is arranged chronologically by year. Until 1969, the papers are arranged chronologically within the year. After 1969, Martin filed the papers alphabetically within the year.
Series 2. Literary correspondence, 1950-77
During the course of his career, David Martin corresponded with many well-known writers, a number of whom became close friends, and this correspondence is contained in this series. Martin's alphabetical arrangement of the correspondence has been retained. An index to major correspondents can be found in Appendix I (under Related Documentation tab)of this guide.
After 1977, Martin filed all correspondence together and literary correspondence after this date can be found in Series 1, general correspondence.
Series 3. Business correspondence, 1946-71
The bulk of this series comprises correspondence relating to the publication of Martin's works, including his books, reviews, short stories and articles. Included is correspondence with publishers, editors, literary agents and theatrical and film companies. Also included is correspondence with newspaper editors and readers' letters relating to Martin's column in The Sydney Observer, 1970-71.
Publishers Martin dealt with on a regular basis over a number of years included Cassell, Curtis Brown, Hodder and Stoughton, Jacaranda Wiley, Macmillan, Outback Press, Penguin Books, Thomas Nelson and University of Queensland Press.
After 1969, business correspondence can be found in Series 1, general correspondence.
Series 4. Correspondence relating to political activities, 1951-69
Martin was interested in a wide range of social issues, including anti-semitism, communism, the anti-hanging movement, Amnesty International and the Vietnam War. This small series consists of letters from political figures and organisations relating to these issues. An index to correspondents in this series can be found at Appendix II (under Related Documentation tab)of this guide.
After 1969, correspondence relating to political activities can be found in Series 1, general correspondence.
Series 5. Academic correspondence, 1951-69
The correspondence in this series consists mainly of letters from educational institutions regarding Martin's participation in literary events. Also included is correspondence from the Victorian Council of Adult Education and the Melbourne University, Department of English regarding Martin's employment as a lecturer, correspondence from students and a letter from Percy Cerutty dated 16 February 1956.
After 1969, academic correspondence can be found in Series 1, general correspondence.
Series 6. Spiegel the cat, 1952-71
Spiegel the cat is a narrative poem for children, based on a story by Gottfried Keller and illustrated by Roderick Shaw. It was published by Cheshire, Melbourne in 1961. The poem was also published by Cassell, London in 1969, without illustrations, and by Clarkson N. Potter, New York in 1971, with illustrations by Roy McKie.
Series 7. The poems of David Martin, 1938-58, 1956-59
A collection of Martin's poetry, published by Edwards & Shaw, Sydney in 1958. Included in this series are pages from a bound copy of the book produced by Book House Publishers, Melbourne, with the title 'The dragon of Bendigo and other poems, 1938-58' and dated 1956. It appears that publication of the book was taken over by Edwards & Shaw of Sydney sometime after this date.
Series 8. The young wife, 1960-81
A novel, The young wife was published by Macmillan, London in 1962 and launched in Melbourne by Kylie Tennant. Martin also wrote a stage play based on the book. It was the first Australian play to be commissioned by J.C. Williamson's and was first performed at the Russell Street Theatre, Melbourne in 1966. In 1981, Judith and Brian Bell scripted a 75 minute video play version of the book. Linda Aronson wrote the script for a television drama based on the book, which was produced and directed by Oscar Whitbread and screened on SBS-TV in 1984.
Reviews of the book: Australia (1962-63) and United Kingdom (1962) Reviews of the television series, 1984 (File 8_9) - Box 27
Photographs from the stage play production at the Russell Street Theatre, Melbourne, 1966 (File 12) - Box 27
Series 9. The hero of Too, 1964-76
The hero of Too was published by Cassell, Melbourne in 1965. The novel was also released simultaneously in the United Kingdom by Cassell, London under the same title and in the United States by William Morrow, New York under the title The hero of the town. In 1974, Paul Sherman wrote a stage play based on the novel.
Series 10. Where a man belongs, 1969
The novel Where a man belongs was published by Cassell, Melbourne in 1969. The book was launched by A.A. Phillips at the Melbourne Town Hall on 6 March 1969.
Series 11. On the road to Sydney, 1969-71
In 1969, during a period of readjustment after returning from two years in Europe, Martin hitchhiked from Melbourne to Sydney, in order to rediscover Australia. On the road to Sydney, published by Nelson, Melbourne in 1970, recounts his journey.
Series 12. Hughie, 1971-75
A children's novel about a young aboriginal boy, Hughie was illustrated by Ron Brooks and published by Macmillan, Melbourne in 1971. The novel received a commendation from the judges of the 1972 Children's Book of the Year. In 1973, Cliff Green wrote a screenplay adaptation of the novel. The book was also published by St Martin's Press, New York in 1971, Blackie, London in 1972 and Mladost, Zagreb in 1975, with the title Tajanstvenazmijapredaka.
Series 13. Frank and Francesca, 1972-77
Frank and Francesca, a children's novel, was published by Thomas Nelson, Melbourne in 1972. It was also published in the United Kingdom (Blackie, Glasgow 1973), in France (Hachette, 1975) and in Germany (ThienemannsVerlag, 1975). Oriel Gray adapted the novel into a six-part television series, which screened on ABC-TV in 1973.
Series 14. The Chinese boy, 1971-74
The Chinese boy is a children's historical novel, set in the goldfields of Victoria and New South Wales. It was published by Hodder and Stoughton, Sydney in association with Brockhampton Press, England in 1973.
Series 15. The cabby's daughter, 1974-75
A children's historical novel, The cabby's daughter was set in Beechworth in 1903 and illustrated by Ron Brooks. It was published by Hodder and Stoughton, Sydney in association with Brockhampton Press, England in 1974.
Note: the working title for this novel was 'Bess and her father'.
Series 16. Katie, 1975-76
A children's short story, Katie was written by David and Richenda Martin and illustrated by Noela Young. It was published by Hodder and Stoughton, Sydney in association with Brockhampton Press, England in 1974.
Series 17. Mister P and his remarkable flight, 1974-88
Mister P and his remarkable flight, a children's novel, was illustrated by Astra Lacis and published by Hodder and Stoughton, Sydney in 1975. The novel was also published in the United Kingdom in 1988 by Macdonald, with the title Mr P street pigeon.
Series 18. The devilish mystery of the flying mum, 1976-77
A children's fantasy novel, The devilish mystery of the flying mum, was published by Thomas Nelson, Melbourne 1977.
Note: the working title for this novel was 'The rotten bad fairy of Sydney'.
Series 19. The man in the red turban, 1976-79
A children's novel, illustrated by Genevieve Rees, The man in the red turban was published by Hutchinson, Melbourne in 1978.
Series 20. The Mermaid attack, 1978-79
The mermaid attack, a children's novel, was published by Outback Press, Melbourne in 1978.
Note: the working title for this novel was 'The mermaid commune'
Series 21. Foreigners, 1982-83
Foreigners, is a collection of short stories focusing on the issues facing migrants settling in Australia. It was published by Rigby, Adelaide in 1981.
Series 22. Peppino, 1983-84
Peppino, is a children's novel in three parts, illustrated by Guy Mirabella and published by Hutchinson, Melbourne in 1983. The first and second parts of this novel were originally published separately by Rigby, Adelaide as Peppino says goodbye (1980) and Peppino turns his luck (1982). The third part of the novel is entitled 'Peppino in the tobacco wars'.
Two copies of a 'Books on Cassette' recording of Peppino turns his luck, read by John Warnock (File 8) - Box 45
'Peppino Turns His Luck' by David Martin. Books on Cassette. Australian Magpie brand. Cassette 1 (Item NLA.MS-SAV016347) - Cassette-Box 760
1 item, Commercial tape, Compact cassette tapeChapters 1-4. Same as NLA.MS-SAV016349
'Peppino Turns His Luck' by David Martin. Books on Cassette. Australian Magpie brand. Cassette 2 (Item NLA.MS-SAV016348) - Cassette-Box 760
1 item, Commercial tape, Compact cassette tapeChapters 5-10. Same as NLA.MS-SAV016350
Series 23. Armed Neutrality for Australia, 1981-90
In a complete departure from his children's books and novels, Martin's book,Armed neutrality for Australia outlined his ideas on strategic defence policies for Australia. Published by Dove Communications, Blackburn, Victoria in 1984, the book was well received, and Martin was invited to speak on the topic of armed neutrality at numerous seminars, forums and conferences.
Martin was involved in the formation of the Australian Association for Armed Neutrality, which was launched in October 1987, with Sir Keith Hancock as patron. Also included in this series are papers relating to the Association. They comprise notes of meetings, correspondence, media releases, seminar flyers, forum papers and a draft of the constitution.
Correspondence for the period 1981-87 is included in the series, arranged alphabetically by year. This relates to Martin's research for the book, dealings with the publisher and requests to appear as guest speaker, as well as correspondence relating to the Australian Association for Armed Neutrality. Correspondents include Phillip Adams, Ross Babbage, Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop, Dorothy Green, Sir Keith Hancock and Geoff Sharp (editor of Arena).
Edited manuscript and typescript: first draft (incomplete, as some sections were included in the second draft) (File 6_9) - Box 46, 47
Copies of segments of the second draft, with comments by Ross Babbage, Peter King, Graham Oke and Richenda Martin. Also included is editorial comment from Penguin Books and a reader's report from Allen and Unwin, 1982-83 (File 21_23) - Box 49
Notes and correspondence with Drummond Books relating to the release of the book, 1984 (File 24) - Box 49
Transcript of an interview with Martin about the book, by Dave Davies, Beechworth, 1985. Article by Martin entitled 'Australia armed and neutral? Debate updated', which was published in Arena 73, 1985 Flyers for seminars on armed neutrality (File 27) - Box 50
Newspaper cuttings and notes on Australian and international defence issues, 1984-88, Article by Martin entitled 'Armed neutrality - Australia's alternative' which appeared in Peace Dossier No. 10, August 1984 (File 40_41) - Box 52
Manuscript and typescript notes for a number of lectures given by Martin on the topic of 'Armed neutrality for Australia', 1985-90 (File 42) - Box 52
Series 24. The girl who didn't know Kelly, 1985-86
A children's historical novel, The girl who didn't know Kelly is set in Beechworth in the 1880s. It was published by Hutchinson, Melbourne in 1985.
Series 25. Fox on my door: a journey through my life, 1987-88
Martin's autobiography was written in story form for children and illustrated by his son, Jan Martin. It was published by Collins Dove, Melbourne c1987.
Series 26. Clowning Sim, 1989-94
Clowning Sim is a children's novel published by Collins Dove, Melbourne in 1988. The novel was adapted as a television mini-series entitled Clowning around. Written by Tony Cavanagh and produced by Barron Films, it screened in 1992. The book was also published in 1993 by X-egem, Prague under the title Klaunnacestach.
Outline, synopsis and 1 x 5¼" computer disk (File 2) - Box 57
Series 27. My strange friend: an autobiography, 1987-92
Martin's second autobiography was published by Pan Macmillan, Chippendale, New South Wales in 1991.
Typescript: mostly uncorrected first draft comprising one complete copy (pages 1-587) and a copy of segments (pages 228-602), which relate to the United Kingdom, India and Australia (File 3_9) - Box 60, 61
Edited typescript: first draft, with Richenda Martin's notes and comments (pages 1-600) (File 10_20) - Box 61, 62
Notes for publisher; Photocopy of a letter from Sir Walter Crocker, 1987; 3 x 5¼" computer disks, 1991 (File 21) - Box 63
My strange friend: an autobiography, 1987-92 (File) - Digital-Carriers-Box 1
3 item, HD2-D, 5.25 inch floppy diskDigital preservation worksheet included. TRIM file number 203/13/148
Martin.doc, Martin2.doc- Martin5.doc updated 19/7/1990, Martin6.doc update 7/7. finally copied Jan 1991, July 1990-Jan 1991 (Item NLA.MS-DM000015) - Digital-Carriers-Box 1
1 Item, Computec, 5.25 inch floppy diskSeries 28. David Martin's Beechworth book: poems, 1991-93
The book contains twenty-seven poems by Martin about Beechworth and was illustrated by students from Beechworth Secondary College. It was published by David Lovell, Melbourne in 1993 and launched in Beechworth by Cliff Green.
This series includes many drafts and revisions of each poem, showing clearly Martin's creative processes at work.
Series 29. Other published works, 1942-81
This series relates to other published works by Martin, for which there are relatively few papers. Each title is listed separately and they are presented in chronological order by year of publication.
Battlefields girls, a small collection of Martin's anti-fascist poems, published by William MacLellan, Glasgow, 1942. Reviews, 1942-53; Included is a hand written review by the Scottish poet Hugh McDiarmid; two copies of the book (File 1) - Box 65
The shoes men walk in. Martin's first book of prose, an autobiographical collection of short stories, published by Pilot Press, London in 1946. Reviews, 1946-47. Copy of the book Bookseller's catalogues, 1946 (File 2) - Box 65
Tiger Bay.A novel, published by Martin Reid, London, 1946. The novel was also serialised in the Reynolds News, London in 1947. Reviews, 1947, cuttings of the serialised version, copy of the book (File 3_4) - Box 65
The shepherd and the hunter. Play written by Martin and performed in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia; Published by Allan Wingate, London in 1946. Reviews of performances, 1946-53; Photographs of the performance at the Unity Theatre, Kings Cross, London in 1946; Programs, 1946-47; Copy of the published version of the play (File 5_6) - Box 65
Birth of a miner. Play performed in Sydney in 1949 at the New Theatre. The play was originally commissioned by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain. Program and poster (File 6) - Box 65
The stones of Bombay. A novel set in modern India, published by Allan Wingate, London in 1950. Also published in German by Dietz Verlag, Berlin (hardcover) and Roman-Zeitung (softcover) in 1954. Reviews, 1950-51, Copies of the German publications, Copy of Wingate catalogue, 1950 (File 7) - Box 65
From life: selected poems of David Martin.A small collection of Martin's poetry, published by Current Book Distributors, Sydney in 1953, with aforeward by Dame Mary Gilmore.Reviews, 1953-54, Two copies of the book (File 8) - Box 66
Rob the robber. Political lampoon in verse, published by J. Waters, Melbourne in 1954. Published anonymously, using the pseudonym of 'Spinifex'. Reviews, 1954, Copy of the book (File 9) - Box 66
Eight by eight, Collection of poems by eight Australian poets, including Martin. Published by Jacaranda Press, Brisbane in 1963; Reviews, 1963-65 (File 10) - Box 66
The gift: poems 1959-65.Collection of poetry by Martin, published by Jacaranda Press, Brisbane, 1966; Reviews, 1966 (File 11) - Box 66
The King between, anovel, published by Cassell, Melbourne in 1966. Also published with this title in the United Kingdom and in the United States by Crown Publishers, New York with the title, The littlest neutral; Reviews, 1966 (File 12) - Box 66
The idealist. A narrative poem in rhyming couplets, illustrated by Shane Porteous and published by Jacaranda Press, Brisbane in 1968, reviews, 1968-69 (File 13) - Box 66
Gary. Children's book, illustrated by Con Aslanis and published by Cassell, Melbourne in 1972. Part of a reading scheme entitled, Patchwork Paperbacks, devised by Cassell, Australia for use by adolescent remedial readers, reviews, 1972-73 (File 14) - Box 66
I'll take Australia. Introduction and text by Martin to a book of posthumously published photographs of Australia taken by Georg Lindstrom; Published by Jacaranda Press, Brisbane in 1978, reviews, 1978-81 (File 15) - Box 67
Series 30. Poetry, 1942-89
Martin's first and last published works were collections of his poetry. Throughout his career he continued to write poetry and as well as further collections of his poems, his work was published widely in anthologies, journals and newspapers. This series comprises drafts of his poetry and a large number of cuttings from journals and newspapers of his published poems. Included are a number of Martin's early poems written in German, which were published under his original name of Ludwig Detsinyi. He also published under the name Ludwig Adams. Included is a 1938 cutting of the German text of a song entitled Lied der Jaramafront, written by Martin in Spain. According to Martin, this song went on to become very popular, selling thousands of records, especially in Eastern Europe. Also included are English translations by Ralph Traill of Martin's German poems.
See also Series 32, Periodicals.
Photocopies of Martin's poems published in Europe before the outbreak of World War II (File 4) - Box 67
Translations by Ralph Traill of Martin's German poems, 1989 (File 5) - Box 68
1. The other song
2. Italians
3. Song of the Jarama front
4. Watch word
5. Dressing Station
6. Asturian I
7. Asturian II
8. Before the battle
9. Peter
10. The new style of the pious mercenary
11. Federico Garcia Lorca
12. The four sons
13. Jack Shirai
14. Devout
15. Memory
16. Do you hear?
17. Living is fine
18. Song of the Grandees
19. Song of the Peasants
20. Gonsalez Lopez Nunes
21. Blinded in Spain
22. Moscow speaks
23. Dedicated to Ralph Fox
24. The splendid days of Aranjuez
25. 10709
26. Forgotten in Paris
27. Greeting
28. Once
29. Liesel Hermann
30. It will come
31. On the retreat
32. At the White House
33. The prisoner
34. In Flanders
35. Russell Street
36. Drought
37. The hour demands
38. Ballad of the Royal Air Raid shelter
Series 31. Short stories, 1945-86
Martin was a prolific writer of short stories, which were mainly published in journals and newspapers. This series comprises a large collection of cuttings containing short stories written by Martin. There are also typescripts of a number of these stories, mostly undated.
See also Series 32, Periodicals
Series 32. Periodicals, 1941-88
A collection of periodicals containing articles, poetry and short stories written by Martin.
Series 33. Newspaper and journal articles, 1942-86
Martin was a prolific contributor to newspapers and journals. Apart from short stories and reviews, he contributed articles on a diverse number of topics, indicating his wide ranging interests. These topics included national and international politics, human rights, travel, current affairs, education, Australian defence, Asian culture and literature. This series comprises a large collection of cuttings of articles written by Martin for a wide range of journals and newspapers. Martin's own arrangement of the cuttings has been retained.
From 1949 to 1966 Martin was Australian correspondent for the Indian newspaper Hindu, contributing regular articles about Australian issues and from 1966 to 1969 he was Australian correspondent for the Canadian newspaper the Montreal Star. Included are cuttings of articles from both these newspapers.
Martin also wrote weekly current affairs columns for Free Press (1951-52) and the Melbourne Sunday Observer (1969-71) and cuttings of these columns are included.
Note: Letters from readers of the Sunday Observer column can be found at Series 3, folder 17.
Cuttings from the Ferntree Gully Boronia and District Free Press, 1951-52. Martin contributed a weekly local current affairs column, entitled 'Martin's column' (File 1) - Folio-Box 1
Series 34. Book reviews, 1945-85
During the course of his career, Martin reviewed an enormous number of books. The genres were varied and included biographies, poetry collections, fiction, non-fiction, travel writings and social commentaries. He occasionally reviewed theatre as well. This series comprises a large collection of newspaper and journal cuttings of book and theatre reviews written by Martin. Martin's own arrangement of the cuttings has been retained.
Series 35. Unpublished novels and children's books
The series contains drafts of unpublished novels, plays and other works by Martin, many to quite an advanced stage and mostly undated.
The works have been listed in alphabetical order, by working title, with miscellaneous material at the end.
The adventures of Dinkum the kangaroo: children's story, illustrated by Vane Lindesay (File 3) - Box 76
Proofs. Soft cover booklet of part of the story, complete with illustrations and published by Book House, Melbourne, typescript of a play based on the book (18pp)
Charles and Rowena, or, Old love, novel synopsis, and notes, edited typescript (141pp) (File 5_6) - Box 77
The endless road: play, edited typescript (14pp), Esther, novel, notes and outline (File 10) - Box 77
Every man has his price: short story and TV play, typescript of story (12pp), typescript of play (7pp) (File 11) - Box 78
The first day: collection of 15 short stories, typescripts of each story, separately numbered (File 12) - Box 78
The flea and other stories: a book of stories and sketches for young readers, background material, edited typescripts, 1 computer disk containing drafts of some of the stories (note: contents transferred to Library's record keeping system)Final word processed copy (130pp) (File 13_21) - Box 78, 79
Hilda and the Elders, also titled, Hettie and the Elders: novel, notes and outline, edited typescript (123pp) (File 24_25) - Box 79
The last lap: autobiographical work, Rough notes, edited typescript: second draft, edited word-processed text (60pp) (File 32_34) - Box 81
Mad proverbs: collection of verse based on well-known proverbs, notes, edited typescripts of several verses (File 35) - Box 81
The naked truth, or, Luke Kinsburn: novel, synopsis, edited typescript (198pp) (File 36_38) - Box 81
Peter the thief: children's novel, notes, edited manuscript and typescript (12pp) (File 42) - Box 82
Rodeo: novel and play, 1961, Synopsis and letter from Merv Lilley, typescript of play (31pp), typescript of novel (315pp) (File 45_48) - Box 82, 83
Spain: children's novel with Spanish Civil War theme, notes and outline, edited typescript (121pp) (File 49_51) - Box 83, 84
Storm: children's book, rough proof of a story taken from the Soviet children's book The fisherman. Literal translation by Herbert Marshall and put into verse by Martin, Stories written for Jan: illustrated by Jan (Martin's son) as a young child, small manuscript (File 52) - Box 84
Stories for the very young: collection of children's stories, manuscript and typescripts of several stories (File 53) - Box 84
A town of many trees: first attempt at a Canberra novel. Intended to be written in four parts - Canberra, India, Hungary and Canberra II, notes, research material, outline and synopsis; Edited typescript (88pp) The lush: second attempt at a Canberra novel, notes, research material, outline and synopsis, edited typescript (50pp) (File 55_67) - Box 84, 85, 86
The woman who didn't know: novel, 1976, synopsis edited typescript (115pp) (File 71_72) - Box 86, 87
Series 36. Unpublished scripts
A small collection of outlines, and scripts for plays, television, and musicals;Listed in alphabetical order by title with untitled works at the end.
Cup day: one act musical, notes and outline; Edited typescript (11pp), 'The mirage': an Australian ballet, outline (File 2) - Box 89
Poem for Laura: radio play, script containing an insert of a short piece of music composed by John Arcot, with words by Martin (43pp) (File 3) - Box 89
The rising of the men: stage play, c1968, 2 bound copies of edited script (74pp). Includes two short pieces of music composed by John Arcot, with words by Martin (File 4) - Box 89
Series 37. Radio scripts
A collection of scripts written by Martin for news broadcasts and radio talks for the BBC in England in the 1940s and for the ABC in Australia in the 1950s. The BBC broadcasts are written under the name 'Louis Detsinyi' (David Martin).
Series 38. Lectures and speeches, 1955-90
For a number of years, Martin lectured on literary related topics for the Victorian Centre for Adult Education. As well as lecturing, Martin was often approached to speak about his work at literary events and to community groups. This series comprises a collection of Martin's teaching material, together with notes and text of some of his talks.
Series 39. Sociological research, 1956-63
A small collection of publications for which Martin undertook the research and writing.
Love that lasts: marriage guidance booklet, published by the Marriage Guidance Council of Victoria, 1956 (31p), Psychological effects of the "western" film: a study in TV viewing, co-authored with F.E. Emery and published by the Department of Audio-visual Aids, University of Melbourne, 1957 (47pp) (File 1) - Box 93
Series 40. Travel, 1948-86
The series contains material accumulated by Martin on trips, both in Australia and overseas. Included are travel notebooks, photographs and travel memorabilia. Some of the notebooks appear to have been used to gather source material for his novels.
Series 41. Music
The musical scores, mostly undated, were written specifically for selected poems of Martin. Most of the music has been composed by John Arcot, but there are also compositions by Berkeley Fase, John Gordon, Wendy Hiscocks, Jenifer Mann, Bernard Stevens and Ralph Traill.
Photographs of musical scores by John Arcot for, Armistice, and Dead man's glory, correspondence with Ralph Traill, 1959-64 (File 1) - Box 96
Musical score by Wendy Hiscocks of Bush Christmas, together with the program for a musical recital at the Wigmore Hall, London in 1994 which included this piece. Program from the Phoenix Theatre, London, of a 1943 musical performance which included a work entitled, A time for greatness, by Cecil Landeau and, Louis Destiny (David Martin). Book of musical scores entitled Inter nationalearbeiterleider, published by Lied der Zeit, Berlin in 1953. The composition, Am Jarama/Februar 1937, for which Martin wrote the text, appears on pages 104-5 (File 2) - Box 96
Series 42. Ephemera, 1943-80
A small collection of theatre programs from Manchester, London and Melbourne, dating from 1943-80.
Series 43. Biographical material, 1945-89
A collection of papers that relate to Martin's life and career.
Newspaper clippings which refer to Martin and his work as an author, journalist and teacher, 1945-88 (File 1_4) - Box 96
Biographical notes relating to Martin. Bound typescript of a work entitled 'Reminiscences for my grandchildren', written by Richenda Martin, 1989. Two earlier and two later photographs of David and Richenda Martin (File 5) - Box 97
A collection of video tapes and audio cassettes: (File 8) - Box 97
2 audio cassettes of an interview with Martin entitled, 'The far crusade', produced by Co-productions, Kent Town, SA
1 audio cassette with the notation 'Connections N0.22: Joseph's coat: multicultural music and writing.'
Video tape of an interview with Martin for Sunday Magazine, a Catholic Communications publication, 1984
2 video tapes of a lecture on Armed neutrality for Australia, at the Swinburne Technical College, Melbourne, 1 October 1985; Video tape of a talk by Martin about his life's work, given at the Australian Defence Force Academy, 26 May 1988; Includes Martin reading some of his verse.
The Far Crusade - Interview - David Martin Sides 1 & 2 - Co-Productions Australia P/L (Item NLA.MS-SAV014171) - Cassette-Box 685
1 item, Compact cassette tapeSpain War
1. Convections #22: Joseph's Coat: Multicultural music and writing (Item NLA.MS-SAV014256) - Cassette-Box 689
1 item, BASF 60, Compact cassette tapeInterview with T, Channel 7, Melbourne 15/04/1981 programme with Caroline, Sunday Magazine, 15/04/1981 (Item NLA.MS-SAV014257) - Shelf-Tall OH1-19-035
1 item, E60, Consumer formats - VHS, S-VHS etcNote in casing.
Talk at ADFA on my life of work-very informal-with some of my verse read by me. (Item NLA.MS-SAV014258) - Shelf-Tall OH1-19-035
1 item, Consumer formats - VHS, S-VHS etcSeries 44. Miscellaneous papers 1960-89
A small collection of miscellaneous material accumulated by Martin.
Bound copy of a thesis by Les Ingram entitled 'The imaginative writings of David Martin', 1969 (File 1) - Box 98
Journal articles received from Dr MiryamMichaelis, written in Hebrew and German, 1976-82 (File 2) - Box 98
Papers relating to a dispute by residents about rate payments in Beechworth, in which Martin was involved, 1987 (File 4) - Box 99
Booklets and pamphlets, typescript by Deborah Jordan entitled 'Nettie Palmer and Henry Handel Richardson: the power of feeling', 1985; Cutting from Free Press, dated 7 December 1961, reporting the death of Fred Byrne, a Dandenong business man and long-time friend of Martin. (See also Series 1, general correspondence, which contains letters from Byrne spanning a number of years) (File 6) - Box 99
Series 45. Monographs, 1946-84
A small collection of English and German language monographs, which contain works by Martin. Also included are two monographs in Cyrillic script. The titles of the Roman script works are listed below in chronological order.
Selected writing No. 4, edited by Reginald Moore and published by Nicholson & Watson, London in 1946
Scottish verse 1851-1951, selected by Douglas Young and published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, Edinburgh in 1952 (contains an inscription by Young)
Zeitgenössische Australische Lyrik, published by Max Hueber, Munich in 1961
Exil in den Niederlanden und Spanien, published by Philipp Reclam jun., Leipzig in 1981
AustralischeErzävon Marcus Clarke bis Patrick White, published by Volk und Welt, Berlin in 1984