b'Sharing the nations stories As Australia sought to define its identity, Andrew BartonAt one point it was known as the biggest bookshop inBanjo Patersons depictions of the Australian bushthe world. resonated with those who faced the daily challenges of life in a land as rugged as it was beautiful, as brutalArthur Allen, well known for his love of the arts, developed as it was spectacular. Patersons status as a national a close friendship with Robertson. For many years Allen celebrity crystallised in 1895 when Angus & RobertsonAllen & Hemsley provided legal services to Angus & published The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses.Robertson, assisting with property transactions and This collection of Patersons poems sold out in the firstbusiness acquisitions, as well as copyright negotiationsweek, and 13,000 copies were sold in the first two years afterwith some of Australias leading literary figures, including its publication. It was a defining moment for the poet, theBanjo Paterson. publisher and the nation.Allen Allen & Hemsley partner Norman Cowper took over Ten years earlier, Scotsman David Angus had opened hismanagement of Angus & Robertsons legal matters and, first small bookstore in Sydney. The business grew quickly, like Arthur before him, developed a close connection with in size and influence, and in 1886 Angus welcomed fellowthe publisher. He went on to become chairman of Angus & Scot George Robertson into partnership. For sixty years theRobertson from 1960 to 1970. flagship Angus & Robertson store was a landmark in Sydney. Angus & Robertson Booksellers,89 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, 1916.72'