The Truth of the Matter (Signed First Edition)

A rare signed copy of Whitlam's post-Prime Ministerial autobiography from the personal library of Phillip A. Selth.

Whitlam's memoir examines the controversial dismissal of his government by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, triggering a constitutional crisis that remains one of the most significant events in Australian political history.

Overall condition: Excellent. Book has been well preserved in a protective mylar sleeve. Cover is without significant wear or age markings. Contents are bright and fresh with only mild age toning towards the edge extremities. A remarkably well preserved copy.

Provenence:

This book comes from the personal library of P. A. Selth. Phillip A. Selth (OAM), was the long-serving former Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Bar Association. A giant of knowledge, Selth played a guiding hand in the development of the NSW legal administration and frameworks. Alongside this, he was heavily involved in publishing and books, being involved for a long period in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, as well as many of his own works.

An avid collector, Selth amassed a formidable personal library featuring a broad array of topics. Political memoirs were of interest to him, of which he had many signed and personalised firsts. These Hawke memoirs are of that collection.

Tragically, Selth passed in 2020 due to an inexorable pancreatic cancer.

First edition. Signed on title. Victoria: Penguin Books, (1979). Softcover in protective sleeve. 8vo. Pages: xii, 91.

This book is currently not on display in store.

If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au