First edition, first impression. xiv, 3548pp, with tissue-guarded portrait plate frontispiece and numerous further black and white plate illustrations. Blue publisher's cloth-covered boards, gilt-stamped lettering on the spine. Top edge gilt. 8vo. Cloth a little worn, rubbed around edges and spine, slightly rounded at corners. Slightly shaken and blown. Hint of aging to pages else internally neat and clean.
A biography of Nellie Nelba (1861-1931), the Australian opera singer who became one of the most famous performers of the late Victorian era and the first Australian to gain international recognition as a classical musician. As a performer, teacher and fundraiser for war charities during the first world war, she established herself in the hearts of the English speaking world and continued to sing and give concerts until the last months of her life. She features on the Australian $100 note.
