The First Aboriginal Author to Be Published

INVENTOR AND STUDENT ABORIGINE ATTRACTS Mr. David Unalpon, the Australian
aborigine from the Point Macleay Mission Station, South Australia, whose photograph Is here, produced, Is on a visit to Melbourne.Herald. (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 13 July 1914

David Unaipon, the man on our $50 note, was the first Aboriginal author to be published in the 1927, when his book of Aboriginal legends was published

However, according to the South Australian Museum historian, Unaipon ".. signed a book contract with Angus & Robertson, but they baulked at his blend of fairy tale, popular science, Aboriginal legend and Christian morality." (1.)

Angus and Robertson then sold the copyright of the stories to William Ramsay Smith.

In 1929, William Ramsay Smith published Myths & legends of the Australian Aboriginals (1930), as told to Smith by David Unaipon, who was Smith's assistant.

  

Later research showed that Unaipon had sold the text to finance his own work. (Volume 85 Item 2: Angus & Robertson correspondence files from Lilian Irene Turner to Arthur Styles Vallack, 1896–1931)

David Ngunaitponi, known as David Unaipon (1872-1967), was born on 28 September 1872 at the Point McLeay Mission, South Australia, a member of the Ngarrindjeri people, where he was introduced to popular science by his teacher, Walter Hutley.

Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 - 1951), Tuesday 22 May 1894

Unaipon left school at 13 to work for C.B. Young, patron of the Aborigines’ Friends’ Association, who encouraged Unaipon's interest in literature, philosophy, science and music.

From 1924 onwards, Unaipon wrote many articles for the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

Unaipon defied stereotypes in many ways. Described as urbane and self-possessed, he had a formal manner, was very particular with his use of language and was cultured and dignified.

He was also an inventor, evangelical preacher, political activist, orator and singer. 

Unaipon also assisted various inquiries and commissions into Aboriginal welfare and treatment.

Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW : 1894 - 1954), Friday 23 November 1923

DAVID UNAIPON, Adelaide's best known native, demonstrates how to throw a boomerang. He spends much time in the parklands teaching schoolchlldren the art. He thinks boomerang throwing should he a national sport. Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), Saturday 1 October 1932

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Friday 21 May 1937

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Saturday 13 June 1953