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Fall 2012 Catalogue 11
Book Life
The Life and Times of David Scott Mitchell
by Eileen Chanin
Australia’s greatest book collector, David Scott Mitchell, gave his
extraordinary library and a bequest for its development to the people
of Sydney and the world. Book Life: The Life and Times of David Scott
Mitchell, by Eileen Chanin, is the first comprehensive account of his
life and collecting, told through books, readings, and contemporary
correspondence.
Mitchell was a man of astoundingly diverse interests whose collection
was not merely for show or posterity, but was, in fact, his own
personal reading library. Thus, we can learn much about him by examining
his books. Previously labeled as an enigma and portrayed as
recluse, Mitchell’s true self is revealed through this book. Many books
in his collection were written by people he knew, and letters reveal a
more socially connected Mitchell than ever seen before. Chanin also
delves into the historical events he lived through and their impact on
his life and collection.
The growth of Australia from an island of criminals to a legitimate
nation happened almost literally during Mitchell’s lifetime. Mitchell
collected books on Australian history before it was even studied at
Melbourne University. Without his contributions, it is unlikely that a
full history of Australia could be written.
In the foreword, Bob Carr, former Premier of New South
Wales, praises Mitchell’s benevolence and hails the Mitchell Library
as the “DNA of Australia.” The story of his life and collection is
important to the story of Australia as a nation and is “in danger of
slipping from history.”
This book features dozens of
color illustrations and black-andwhite
photographs. Also included
are notes, a bibliography, index, list
of dramatis personae, and several
family trees.
The first Australian edition sold out quickly, within six months—ahead of news that
the book was awarded the 2011 Alex Buxo Prize and short-listed for the prestigious literature
prize in Australia—the CAL Waverley Library Award for Literature sponsored by the
Copyright Agency Limited’s Cultural Fund. This is the first edition to be available in North
America.
2012, paperback, 6 x 9.25 inches, 496 pages
ISBN 9781584563075, Order No. 108954, $59.95
Available in Australia from Australian Scholarly Publishing
“Eileen Chanin charts the life and
times, and contributions, of David
Scott Mitchell to our cultural and
intellectual life in an utterly compelling
way.” – Ross Fitzgerald, The
Sydney Morning Herald
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