Letter by CJD to George Robertson 1916.05.09

107 Burke Road
Camberwell
9th May 1916

As desired, I am sending you a copy of J. J. Bell's letter to me. I think it is rather heartless to ask a man to type all that gush about himself, but, seeing what you have done for "The Bloke" and me, I could not decline the ordeal.

The indication of an increase in the latter weekly sales of the book makes good reading. People, having exhausted their praises of the book, have lately taken to congratulating me upon my choice of publishers, and lately I am endeavouring to push as much of the credit on you as possible, because I am getting overloaded. I don't know if I have said much to you about this aspect of the business; but let me tell you now, if belatedly, that think you have done an amazing thing. Many other good books have been written in Australia; but in this case I am convinced success has been due to a happy combination of the Book, the Hour and the Publisher. It is all more than half a dream to me. Things are materialising now that I fondly dreamed of years ago, and it is all so strangely like my dreams that I can only half convince myself that it is reality. For instance, the notice of a book of mine in London, cables, letters from famous authors, London papers sitting up to take notice - all this was a fond and favourite dream of mine which my sober, pessimistic self told me would never come true. Yet here it is happening. I can't help thinking, to some other fellow who wears my name. You write abouot godfathers! Strike a light! I am beginnning to believe in them - fairy ones - brothers of the original old lady who interviewed Cinderella.

Yesterday I overcame an obstacle that has been troubling me in the completion of "Ginger Mick." I have only one more fence to get over and I shall be satisfied with it. I am glad you advised me not to rush it. You will like Gye's cover design. He won't be rushed with his work, but when he does come to light with it, it is usually worth the waiting for. I hope to be able to send you a couple of drawings, including the cover, this week.

Yours Truly,
C.J. Dennis

J.K. Moir Collection, MS 13037 Box 3723/2, State Library of Victoria.

Note:
This letter was written in response to George Robertson's earlier letter of 6th May 1916.
The letter from J.J. Bell referred to above was forwarded to Dennis by Robertson unopened, hence the request by Robertson for a copy.