CATO, Nancy; OLDAY, John (Editor)

Typed letter signed by Nancy Cato, in response to a letter from a Mrs Gilbert, regarding her 1986 novel 'The Lady Lost in Time' [offered with] Spectrum

Edwardstown: Rainbow Group, 1956. First Edition. Typed letter : single A5 sheet of personalised stationery : folded twice : from Nancy Cato at Noosa Heads to Mrs Gilbert and dated July 18, 1987, signed.

Spectrum : stapled softcover : oblong format (17 x 21cm) : 10 leaves printed recto only : processed typescript (including one page of music) : two linocuts by Malcolm Gray on the covers, on the top cover a serpent printed in orange with the title in black watercolour underneath the image, the other linocut a landscape printed inside the lower cover.

Covers a little creased and marked, mostly on lower cover; marginal stains to three leaves (clear of text); untrimmed top edges a little chipped. Very good. Item #15486

The typed letter is in response to a letter from Mrs Gilbert regarding Cato's 1986 novel, "The Lady Lost in Time" : I was interested to get your letter about "The Lady Lost in Time", as even experienced reviewers have been confused. The "frame" at beginning and end is part of the work of fiction, not an author's introduction...There was an old warehouse at Milang, with living quarters on top - described in detail in "All the Rivers Run"... Cato also refers to a painting by Gerard Soest that she donated to the Queensland Art Gallery, "where it never seems to be on display...If you should ever go to Brisbane, go to the Art Gallery and ask to see the Soest portrait donated by Mrs N. Norman - if they can find it."

The first two leaves of "Spectrum" contain material supplied by Cato. Her poem "The Rainbow Serpent" is preceded by a descriptive note explaining its origin in Narrinyeri folklore. Also of interest is the review of the public reaction to contemporary art exhibitions at Cafe Latino in Hindley, Street, Adelaide : "You would think Art-lovers would go out of their way to see an extraordinary show. 'Not me' - says Lady High-up. The proper place for Art shows in North Terrace...Hindley Street may be alright for the Latin riff-raff, for bodgies and widgies and call girls, for bohemians and adventure-seekers in search of spine-chilling thrills - but for better-class and respectable people - definitely NO!"

Price: $250.00