by David Unaipon
David
Unaipon became the first Aboriginal writer to be published.
Native Legends was published in 1929.
This 15 page booklet bears the previous owners signature on front cover
and the soft cover is coming away from booklet. Inside is in very good
condition!
A Ngarrindjeri
man born in 1872 at the Point Macleay mission in South Australia, David
Unaipon was a man of high intelligence, strong religious faith and wide
vision. David Unaipon married Katherine Carter, a Tangani woman from
The Coorong in January 1902.
Mr Unaipon believed there was a similarity between Christian and Aboriginal
values and he preached widely and sought to improve the education of
Aboriginal people. David Unaipon wanted his Aboriginal culture to be
understood and took pride in his efforts to ensure that "an enduring
record of our customs, beliefs, and imaginings" was preserved.
David Unaipon was prominent in public life as a spokesman for Aboriginal
people. In 1913 David Unaipon represented Aboriginal views at a royal
commission into Aboriginal affairs and in the following decades he was
able to influence government policy in several areas.
Mr Unaipon wrote stories and poetry. The annual David Unaipon Award for unpublished works by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders honours his memory.
David Unaipon
was also an inventor who lodged ten patents for various inventions.
However, despite his fame, David Unaipon was often refused accommodation
soley because of his race. Unaipon
was awarded a Coronation Medal in 1953.
Mr David Unaipon died on 7th
February
1967 and
buried in Point McLeay cemetery
his portrait is depicted on the Australian $50.00 note.
£125.00
Please
contact us for postage costs of
this very rare and delightful little book