Signaller Tom Skeyhill, Blind Soldier Poet
Hobart: [Academy of Amusements], 1916. Small leaflet consisting of one landscape sheet folded in half to make four leaves plus an additional small double-sided leaf inserted loosely in the centre. All leaves printed in purple ink. A fine, as-new item. First edition, scarce.
This very rare leaflet was produced by the Academy of Amusements to advertise a performance titled "With the Australians at Anzac" at the Temperance Hall in Hobart, Tasmania. The cover offers top billing to Signaller Tom Skeyhill, the famous blind soldier-poet who was blinded during his service in World War One and who later became known for his poetry and recitations.
In the performances, which ran over six nights, several Anzacs who had been at the Dardanelles related stories of their time there and Signaller Skeyhill gave recitations. In addition, his friend and fellow digger Private Bobby Pierce performed songs. The performances were from Saturday, September 30 to October 6, 1916. Inserted loosely in the leaflet is a double-sided sheet promoting future performances by "A Galaxy of Vaudeville Stars, Direct from Brennan-Fuller and Tivoli Circuits" Item #4987
Price (AUD): $350.00