Subject
Australian wit and humor Books
Best books
E. W. (Edward William) Cole
Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1
"Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1" by E. W. Cole is a children's book first published in 1879. Sold from Cole's iconic Book Arcade in Melbourne, Australia, this Victorian collection features puzzles, stories, poems, jokes, and whimsical humor organized into themed "Lands." The book includes references to Cole's famous Patent Whipping Machine and his own vision of the future. Reprinted and expanded many times, it grew from 62 pages to 242 pages across 48 editions, selling over 440,000 copies.
S. Elizabeth (Sarah Elizabeth) Jackson
Petunia again : $b Sketches
"Petunia again : Sketches by S. Elizabeth Jackson" is a collection of essays and vignettes written in the early 20th century. The book is a series of closely observed, affectionate, and often humorous portrayals of rural Australian life, most likely set in the aftermath of World War I. It is not a novel with a continuous plot, but rather a series of sketches and reflections on daily events, community happenings, and the unique characters that populate the small township of Petunia and its surrounding countryside. At its core, the book serves as a tribute to the rhythms, relationships, and culture of country life in Australia during this period. The content of the book spans a wide variety of topics, ranging from community celebrations to personal experiences with pets, and from wry commentary on literature and journalism to evocative descriptions of the Australian landscape and weather. Jackson introduces us to recurring figures such as Marjorie, Joshua, Daisy, Hob, and the lovable pets they adopt or attempt to befriend. The sketches gently mock and admire the quirks of rural society—its social gatherings, fairs, and even its haircutting mishaps—while also touching on more somber moments like droughts or the challenges facing returned soldiers. Throughout, the writing displays deep warmth, observational wit, and a sense of nostalgia, capturing what it means to belong to a small community and to find both amusement and meaning in everyday country life.
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