Micomicana by Norman Lindsay, ca. 1920-1952

SAFE/MLMSS 9604

fonds

ca. 1920-1952

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Drawings

1071036

0.39 metres of textual material and 216 drawings (1 volume in box) - typescript, pen and ink

Artist and writer Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) began 'Micomicana' in the early 1920s and finished it in 1952. Initially it was created for the amusement of Lindsay and his family rather than for publication. Only a fraction of the illustrations were published during Lindsay's lifetime (six appeared in the periodical 'Art in Australia' in 1930). The volume was personally leather-bound by Lindsay and presented to his daughter Jane, who published it in 1979 in a limited edition of 527 copies to celebrate the centenary of Lindsay's birth.

Reference:
Library correspondence file

Family by descent.

The volume, comprising a large scrapbook of 288 pages, contains 16 typescript stories by Lindsay set in an erotic fantasy world called Pattipononia. Accompanied by 216 original pen and ink drawings, each story begins with a decorative letter incorporating characters from that story. There are 18 drawings that are full page size (ca. 36 x 24 cm); 105 drawings that are roughly half page (ca. 26 x 20 cm or smaller); and just over 90 smaller drawings (ca. 11 x 23 cm or smaller).

The leather on the front cover has been hand-lettered and decorated with a small satyr's face. The title page is also illustrated and lettered by hand. The typescript pages and drawings have been pasted into a commercial scrapbook.

Copyright status:: In copyright - Life of creator plus 70 years (applies to drawings). Year published plus 70 years (applies to literary work)

The volume, with an introduction by Jane Lindsay, was published in a limited edition of 527 copies in 1979. No. 79, signed by Jane Lindsay, is held in the Mitchell Library’s collection (FA823.2/L749.2/1).

A full list of drawings, compiled by Hordern House, is available from the Archival Team. The same list is also included with the item.