About the book

Consists of three separate acquisitions that the author donated to the library after 1982. The first collection (PA 710) consists of papers and collected materials dating from 1963 to 1981. Includes working drafts and research notes for several books including "The Anzacs", "Hear the Train Blow", "The Barcoo Salute", "There Was a Ship", "Moonbird People" and "The Shearers". Also contains personal correspondence and letters from Adam-Smith's publishers and fans.The second collection (PA 89/64) contains a final draft of "The Anzacs", drafts of "The Barcoo Salute", "When We Rode the Rails", "Railways of Australia" and "Australian Women at War". Also contains personal correspondence to Patsy Adam-Smith, including several letters from Australian writer, poet and social commentator, Bill Scott and letters from Adam-Smith's children, Cate and Michael. PA 89/64 also includes research materials collected by Adam-Smith for various works, as well as her work on Australian railways, the William Adams firm and oral history research. The final collection (PA 00/22) includes personal correspondence between Patsy Adam-Smith and the young Cate and Michael Adam-Smith and with close personal friend Gerry Ash as well as letters from Adam-Smith's ex-husband Bill Beckett. Drafts of several major works, and research notes and materials used in their compilation.