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A Certain Style

Beatrice Davis, a Literary Life
By Jacqueline Kent
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Certain Style by Jacqueline Kent delves into the life and career of an influential figure in the Australian publishing world. The book explores her pioneering editorial and managerial roles, shedding light on her personal and professional journey. It's a detailed portrayal of a woman who redefined literary standards and made a significant impact on the Australian literary scene.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the interplay of creativity and style in the world of publishing. It offers an intriguing glimpse into the life of a trailblazing editor who left a significant impact on Australian literature. You'll enjoy exploring her influential contributions and the vibrant literary landscape she helped shape.

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Originally published to great acclaim in 2001, A Certain Style introduced Beatrice Davis to thousands of readers and told a history of books and publishing in twentieth-century Australia. This reissue has a new introduction and updates throughout as the author presents a compelling account of a contradictory woman and her times.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Beatrice Davis, 1909–1992, was the general editor at Angus and Robertson, the main Australian publishing company, from 1937 to 1973. There, she discovered and published writers such as Thea Astley, Miles Franklin, Patricia Wrightson, Xavier Herbert, and Hal Porter, becoming a literary tastemaker in the process. A central figure in Australian literature, she was 'respected, feared, courted and berated.'

Originally published to great acclaim in 2001, A Certain Style introduced this stylish and formidable woman to thousands of readers and told a history of books and publishing in twentieth-century Australia. This reissue includes a new introduction and updates throughout as the author presents a compelling account of a contradictory woman and her times.

'A sharp-eyed and warm-hearted biography ... the pleasure of Davis' company is further enlivened by Kent's own quietly witty take on her material.' - Kerryn Goldsworthy, The Age

'A witty and enthralling read ... The beauty of Kent's book is not just the skill with which she unravels a life but the milieu she evokes en route.' - Matt Condon, Sun-Herald

'A simply splendid biography of the formidable, maddening, generous, always enchanting Beatrice Davis.' - Ruth Park

'A terrific history of the Australian book industry, with the narrative pull of a plot-driven novel. Given current trends in publishing, this is a timely and welcome book.' - Andrea Goldsmith, Australian Book Review - Books of the Year 2018

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Certain Style by Jacqueline Kent has been praised for its insightful and warmly engaging portrayal of Beatrice Davis. Critics commend Kent's own humorous and captivating writing style, which beautifully captures both Davis's fascinating life and the rich cultural setting she inhabited. The biography is noted for its expert storytelling and the evocative depiction of Davis's world, making it an enthralling read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781742236025

Publisher: NewSouth Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: NewSouth Publishing

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 155.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 490g

Pages: 350

Collections

Biography & Memoir Jacqueline Kent Musicians, Movie Stars & Creative Biographies Non-Fiction

About the Author

Jacqueline Kent is a Sydney-based writer of non-fiction and biography, fiction and literary journalism. She has worked in radio, print journalism, radio and TV scriptwriting, editing books, ghostwriting, teaching editing and creative writing, and arts administration. Her most recent book is The making of Julia Gillard. Early in 2018 she won the Hazel Rowley biography fellowship to write a book about Vida Goldstein.

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