Dustjacket synopsis:
"First published in 1918, Backblock Ballads and Later Verses presents some of the material from Dennis's first book (1913) and additional verses, together with Hal Gye's inimitable illustrations.

"The collection reveals Dennis's wide range of voices and concerns. The Backblock Ballads, as distinct from the Later Verses, show his abiity to use the customary bush themes with the expected atmosphere, but with a special sharpness and an unusual adroitness in making fun of thngs. The Later Verses display similar qualities of insight and humour. "Paw" is an amusing satire on rich and selfish snobbery; "The Austral-aise" was his award-winning submission for a national song, which contains in every line a blank space representing the word "bloody" (considered unprintable in those times); "'Urry!" is a warm appraisal of a woman's lot; and in "A Guide for Poits" Dennis in self-mockery reveals a small part of the recipe for his success. Others, such as "Work or Reflection" and "K'shoo" are just sheer good fun.

"The wonderfully varied collection, unavailable for so many years, will be welcomed by all who have enjoyed the work of the sentimental bloke."

Contents:

An Old Master
"Paw"
The Builders
Wheat
The Lovers
"Got-a-Fag"
The Chase of Ages
A Guide for Poits
Grimbles and the Gnad
Langwidge
The Joy Ride
The Homeward Track
Sore Throat
When the Sun's Behind the Hill
'Urry
Hopeful Hawkins
Timberland
Weary
Hymn of Futility
A Song of Rain
The Bore
The Cultured Constable
My Poor Relation
The Boon of Discontent
Son of a Fool
The Silent Member
Cow
The High Priest
The Philistine
Work or Reflection
The March
The Little Homes
The Bridge Across the Crick
K'shoo
Vulgar Fractions
The Minglers
The Austra-laise

From the Angus & Robertson hardback edition, 1983.