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The Getting of Wisdom

The Getting of Wisdom: Text Classics

Text Classics

Henry Handel Richardson

Introduction by Germaine Greer

The Getting of Wisdom was first published in 1910 and has continued to sell well. Germaine Greer’s introduction, of course, makes this edition even more appealing to the reader.

Described by H. G. Wells as the best school story he knew, The Getting of Wisdom is the classic Australian novel of school days, a compelling and frank account of a young girl’s coming of age.

‘Sexual tension tightens every page’ writes Germaine Greer. ‘The enduring truth is that The Getting of Wisdom is Richardson’s only great book, precisely because the subject is, like the rest of us, ordinary, and therefore deeply important.’

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About the Author

Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson was born into an affluent Melbourne family in 1870. Her father Walter was a doctor of medicine. When Richardson was nine he died of syphilis after being admitted to Melbourne’s Kew mental asylum. His illness and suffering had a huge impact on his family.

After his death, Richardson’s mother took her children...

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About the Introducer

Germaine Greer is a well-known feminist and writer. Her books include The Female Eunuch, Daddy, We Hardly Knew You, The Change, The Obstacle Race and The Boy. She is professor of English and comparative studies at Warwick University, England.

Germaine wrote the introduction to Henry Handel Richardson’s The Getting of Wisdom.

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Extent:
296pp
Format:
Paperback
Text publication date:
22 August 2012
First published:
1910
Region:
VIC
ISBN:
9781922079404
AU Price:
$14.95
NZ Price:
$17.99
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Praise for Henry Handel Richardson
andThe Getting of Wisdom

‘A gorgeous coming-of-age story that is both charming and deeply moving.’

Other editions ofThe Getting of Wisdom
  • The Getting of Wisdom
    ebook
    ISBN: 9781921961700
    22 August 2012
    Buy ebook
  • Paperback
    ISBN: 9781876485955
    2 July 2001