Norman Lindsay - Redheap

The first Australian edition of Redheap by Norman Lindsay, published by Ure Smith in December 1959 following the lifting of the novel’s long-standing Australian ban. First issued in London in 1930, Redheap was prohibited locally for nearly three decades due to its frank treatment of sexuality, hypocrisy, and small-town morality. This post-ban Australian edition marked the first time domestic readers could legally purchase the work, representing an important moment in the history of Australian literary censorship and the gradual dismantling of mid-century restrictions.

As shown in the photos, the book is in good, solid condition. The red cloth boards are clean and well held, with a firm binding. The pages are clean with light, even toning and no loose leaves or major defects noted. The original dust jacket is present and protected in a removable sleeve; it shows noticeable edge wear, rubbing, creasing, and small losses consistent with age and handling, however is missing the rear inside flap. It remains visually presentable with minimal fading to Redheap on the spine.

This Australian first edition is the true first local appearance of Lindsay’s once-suppressed novel and a significant post-ban issue for collectors of Australiana. Scarce with the dust jacket, it stands as both a literary work and a cultural artefact from a pivotal period in Australia’s publishing history.