One hundred years ago Norman Lindsay wrote the classic Australian children’s book “The Magic Pudding”. The artist himself called the book a “little bundle of piffle” and wrote it only to win a wager with Bertram Stevens.
Australian author and artist Norman Lindsay wrote this jolly fable in response to a friend who claimed that children liked to read about fairies. Lindsay maintained that kids prefer food and fighting, and this fun-filled romp abounds in both. This was a bet that Lindsay clearly won.
Since its 1918 debut, generations of hungry readers have been helping themselves to The Magic Pudding. A walking, talking dessert, the pudding shares its deliciousness with everyone and never runs out – because it’s magic!
The book has never been out of print and has been translated into numerous languages.
An artist who produced paintings and prints which received world acclaim, his creative imagination extended to such flights of fancy as exquisite ship models, statuary and fountains, decorations for pottery and furniture – and books. Much of his collection is permanently housed in Lindsay’s Springwood home, now the Norman Lindsay Gallery.
The original manuscript and drawings are held in the State Library of NSW but the book was created at Springwood, where the spirit of The Magic Pudding and a collection of memorabilia retain the power to enchant the young 100 years on.
Thank you for the work that goes on in finding and presenting to us these little gems which I do read with interest. We hear about such stories, but often do not know the background, or the general gist of each item. Please keep up the good work.