'You can’t think of everything'. Opera in one act, after Alfred de Musset. Typescript with amendations, 9 leaves, [David Malouf’s 2017 note: Chamber opera libretto for Diana Blom. Ca. 1977. Music unwritten]

Typescript draft of An Imaginary Life, 35 leaves (some leaves are double sided) with handwritten emendations in blue biro and pencil. Includes two drafts of the prologue. At the end of sections are handwritten numbers, possibly counting the number of words. On the final page is written 'Sydney Nov 1st 1976-Jan 7th 1977'. Accompanied by one handwritten note with ten sections and corresponding word numbers. Signed 'DM 8.3.86'.

An Imaginary Life is a novel dealing with the last years of the Roman poet Ovid in exile and his strange relationship with a wolf-child. It was first published in 1978. Originally the title was 'Letters from Pontus'. Includes letters from George Braziller Inc., New York relating to the publication of this novel, typescript drafts of the novel, editorial markup by literary argent Curtis Brown of the final draft, and changes for final draft.

Nine letters, 2 telegrams and 1 envelope from George Braziller Inc., New York covering the period August 11, 1977 to February 1978. All letters with letterhead. From August 11 to November 9, 1977 letters are written by Julia Strand. From November 29, 1977 to February 21, 1978, letters are written by Barbara Barre. Included with these are two telegrams. Topics include: doubts about title, negotiations on world rights, publishing, biographical details for blurb, suggested changes, questions from copy editor, decision on title, sending galleys, discussion on book jacket.

Correspondence, incoming, from 1974-1979:
1974 – 16 letters: Geoffrey Dutton (6 Nov 1974); Christopher Edwards (25 Nov 1974); Les Murray (1 Sep 1974); Pixie Pratt [Pixie O’Harris] (25 Nov 1974); UQP - Roger McDonald and Craig Munro (editors), 6 letters - one of 18 Nov 1974 advising that the Publications committee at UQP ‘has approved the publication of your manuscript entitled “Johnno”.; Gough Whitlam (6 Jun 1974); Others (5)

1975 – 15 letters: Geoffrey Lehmann (19 Feb, 19 Dec 1975); UQP - Frank W Thompson, Roger McDonald and Craig Munro (5 letters)
Gough Whitlam (7 Apr 1975); Others (7).

1976 – 32 letters: John Blight (20 May, 16 Nov 1976); Nancy Cato (8 Nov 1976); Christopher Edwards (30 Oct 1976); Geoffrey Lehmann (24 Aug 1976); UQP - Roger McDonald and Craig Munro (editors – 8 letters); Others (19).

1977 – 20 letters: Geoffrey Dutton (4 Jun 1977); Geoffrey Lehmann (6 Mar 1977); Christina Stead (28 Aug 1977); Others (17).

1978 – 17 letters: Jim Davidson (editor of Meanjin) (15 Aug 1978); Elizabeth Harrower (20 Nov 1978); Others (15).

1979 – 23 letters: Jim Davidson (27 Apr, 7 May, 12 Jun, 30 Jul 1979); Don Dunstan (11 Jun, 13 Jul 1979); Elizabeth Harrower (22 Jan, 6 Apr, 18 Sep 1979); Others (14).

1970s (undated) – 12 letters: Geoffrey Lehmann; Others (11).

One handwritten note by author about the accompanying '2nd typescript'. The second typescript is: the remaining pages from the original second typescript draft made in Rome in December 1980, which were heavily written over then retyped and replace pages for the final version. This second typescript draft was also heavily written over and to be used again in the final version. All pages are marked CP and numbered on the left top corner. This is the only surviving second typescript draft. 151 pages, Dec 1980.

One handwritten note '1st typescript, heavily corrected'. With first typescript draft, 72 leaves, extensive handwritten emendations, Chapters 10 and 13 not included. Undated.

One handwritten note by author: 'late rewriting of pages for the final typescript'. Three typescript leaves of amended pages for the final typescript draft, with minor handwritten emendations. Undated.

Child’s Play is an account of the experiences of an Italian terrorist and his special interest in his victim. It was first published in 1981 with another novella, The Bread of Time to Come (later changed to Fly Away Peter). It was republished in 1982 with two short stories, Eustace and The Prowler. This subseries includes manuscript drafts for original first draft, first typescript draft, and second typescript draft. All the drafts have explanatory notes by David Malouf.

One handwritten page with notes for the first draft, which gives details of how the first draft was created. With the note is the first draft of Child's Play. This draft comprises handwritten and typescript leaves. Handwritten pages are in blue and red biro and some in black ink. Typescript leaves have extensive handwritten emendations. Undated.