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y separately published work icon The Black Gin and Other Poems selected work   poetry  
Issue Details: First known date: 1873... 1873 The Black Gin and Other Poems
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Notes

  • Barbara Garlick (58) comments: His first collection of short poems in 1873---was called after what is now his most disturbing and controversial poem, and which has more securely than any other piece he produced guaranteed the distaste with which his poetry is sometimes regarded by modern readers. It is 'To a Black Gin'....The world of these poems is unashamedly Darwinian and leans heavily on contemporary ideas of white racial superiority. However, these poems do not express ideas which were out of kilter with public opinion. While there were undoubtedly measures taken for the protection of aborigines..., the language and sentiments of 'To a Black Gin' were widely echoed in both visual and written works of the period, and there is no indication that their initial publication aroused any public ire.' Barbara Garlick 'Colonial Canons: The Case of James Brunton Stephens', Victorian Poetry 40.1 (2002): 55-69).

Contents

* Contents derived from the Melbourne, Victoria,:George Robertson , 1873 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
To a Black Gini"Daughter of Eve draw near - I would behold thee.", J. Brunton Stephens , single work poetry (p. 1-5)
My Chinee Cooki"They who say the bush is dull are not so very far astray,", J. Brunton Stephens , single work poetry (p. 6-11)
My Other Chinee Cooki"Yes, I got another Johnny; but he was to Number One", J. Brunton Stephens , single work poetry humour (p. 11-15)
The Dark Companioni"There is an orb that mocked the lore of sages", J. Brunton Stephens , single work poetry (p. 29-31)
A Brisbane Reverie : March, 1873i"As I sit beside my little study window, looking down", J. Brunton Stephens , single work poetry
Stephens contrasts the view of Brisbane he sees from his study window with an imagined view of the same scene before the coming of Europeans.
 (p. 36-42)
A Man and a Brotheri"Chieftain, enter my verandah,", S. , single work poetry satire (p. 58-63)
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Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

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Works about this Work

The Black Gin and Other Poems 1874 single work review
— Appears in: The Queenslander , 7 February 1874; (p. 8)
— Review of The Black Gin and Other Poems J. Brunton Stephens , 1873 selected work poetry
The Black Gin and Other Poems 1874 single work review
— Appears in: The Queenslander , 7 February 1874; (p. 8)
— Review of The Black Gin and Other Poems J. Brunton Stephens , 1873 selected work poetry
VIEW ALL WORKS ABOUT (1)
Last amended 23 Aug 2007 16:03:31
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