[QUEENSLAND] Autograph signature of Anglo-Australian novelist, short-story writer and poet Kathleen Watson.

WATSON, Kathleen

Beschreibung

Cut signature, manuscript in ink on paper, 60 x 100 mm; identified in another hand below as 'Writer'; light toning, otherwise fine. Bold autograph signature of Kathleen Watson Dearden, a significant figure on the Australian literary scene - particularly in Melbourne and Brisbane - in the first quarter of the twentieth century. Provenance: Autograph album compiled by Jane Emma Murphy (Balcombe) (1854-1924), "The Briars", Mornington, Victoria; àBeckett family, Melbourne, by descent. The following obituary for Kathleen Watson Dearden appeared in the Brisbane Courier, 10 May 1926: 'DEATH OF MRS. W. DEARDEN.The death is announced of Mrs. WilliamDearden, familiarly known by the literaryworld by her maiden name of KathleenWatson. Mrs. Dearden had for somemonths suffered from the effect of aheart strain, but it was hoped that, with,complete rest, there would be a recovery.However, a few weeks ago more seriousdevelopments occurred, and recently Mrs.Dearden entered St. Martin's Hospital.Within the past week her condition became critical, and at noon yesterday shewent upon the long journey. Mrs. Dearden has been a resident of Queensland forsomething over 15 years, Mr. Deardenhaving large timber interests in theState, first as manager for Millar's Karriand Jarrah Co., later as the head of theQueensland Pine Co., and now of theNerang Hardwood Co. Mrs. Dearden wasborn in England, the daughter of a wellknown medical man, but was educatedmainly on the Continent, and particularlyin France. Her family was linked upwith the British Army, and her brother,Colonel Watson, of the Army MedicalCorps, visited Queensland at the close ofthe Great War, having served manyyears in India. Kathleen Watson's firstbig success in literature was with "Litanies of Life," published in London. Thislittle volume attracted immediate attention, and Mr. T. P. O'Connor, M.P., deviated a page of his weekly review towhat he termed "the book of the month."Later the authoress married Mr. Dearden, and, with her husband, spent sometime in travel, notably on the coast ofNorthern Africa, which was the scene ofher next work, a novel entitled "TheGaiety of Fatma." By most readers thisis considered Mrs. Dearden's finest work,and it had a very cordial reception,though there was in it the sad tonewhich has been characteristic of herbooks. In Australia was produced, mainly with a Victorian venue, "The Houseof Broken Dreams," beautifully written,and with much depth of study and reasoning from the woman's point of view.It was ineffably sad, so sad, indeed, thatone well-known reviewer, borrowing thephrase from the "Sartor Resartus,"termed it "A Sanctuary of Sorrow." InAustralia was also written "Later Litanies," which had all the literary beauty,an incomparable artistry, as T. P.O'Connor said of the first book. In theSouthern States, and especially in Melbourne and Adelaide, Mrs. Dearden hadwide circles of readers and wide circles offriends. "Henriette Says" was the titleof a series of short articles originatingin the "Courier," and now obtainable ascollected and edited in a small bookform. The sayings of Henriette werethose of a French girl married to an Australian "Digger," and living her new lifewith him in this land. Their brave philosophy and great literary charm madethem very popular and they have allthe brightness of the heart of a Frenchwoman happily and devotedly linked upwith Australia. These letters are a blendof humour, bright appreciation of andbravery in new and rough surroundings,and with just a little wistfuluess in thereflections upon Henriette's native land.Mrs. Dearden was well known in Brisbane literary circles and socially. Acheery, cultured and charitable womanwith a wide view of the world and itsproblems, and intensely sympathetic.Those who knew her best loved her most.When General Pau was in Queensland hishappiest hours were with the countrypeople, with Mrs Dearden as guide,mentor, and friend, and interpreter also,for she spoke French as a Parisian. Muchof her nat. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 41670

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