A CRITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF EDWIN JAMES BRADY - Mallacoota ...

In Brady’s case, such qualities are the result of his own background of course, but are
mainly due to the attitude of mind which evolved within him as a result of his
experience, his reading and his thinking about the problems of mankind. His strong
desire to work positively for the betterment of Australia and its people arises from the
philosophical position he has decided upon as the result of his own reasoning;
strangely enough this group of books embodies this philosophy to a degree as least as
great as his verse or his other writings. It is only in his editorials, where he attempts
to distil the essence of his thinking on social and political topics that a clearer view of
his position is apparent. In recognising Brady’s credo and in associating it with the
ethos which is typically Australian, the reviewer in The Athenaeum show himself a
discerning and astute critic.
While they add little to any formal literary reputation which Brady Might have, these
books demonstrate again the breadth of his outlook, his versatility, love of country
and countryside, and above all, his concern for people. All commercial activity is
regarded as a means to the improvement of the quality of life, not just an economic
exercise. It must be regarded in its proper perspective where humanistic values
predominate. On the whole it is an altruistic attitude and in both social and religious
terms wholly commendable. It serves again to illustrate a character quite remarkable
for vision, versatility and, above all, for humanity.
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