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

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Brady’s considerable journalistic talents clashed with his creative arts. A.G. Stephens
once spoke of the “perilous compromise with journalism” for the creative writer, and
for Brady it was a twofold threat. Not only did his journalistic activities take so much
of his time and daily energies when his creative powers were at their zenith, but also
the skills which these daily tasks developed often interfered with those required for
verse; for short story writing, or for the humorous serial. Morgan recognised that
“editors of newspapers seldom succeed as authors of works on reality, or of fiction,” 1
and Brady’s experience seems to have borne this out.
But in spite of these personal shortcomings, in spite of the limited achievement in
some areas, there were still considerable personal strengths. There were contributions
made to the Australian society and culture worthy of note. Brady was a perennial
optimist, full of vitality and good humour, with a touch of the flamboyant and
debonair. He brought these qualities to his activities and his literature in no small
measure, displaying a versatility which has resulted in contributions over a wide area
of society. His interests ranged from economics, politics, philosophy, science,
history, geography, anthropology and psychology to all aspects of communication –
radio, films, the stage, as well as books, magazines and newspapers. Allied to a sense
of perspective which historical research gave, was a visionary propensity which
enabled him to be aware of trends and detect future movements, such as the growth in
the importance of China and the use of atomic power. It also enabled him to recognise
the contributions which could be made by science and technology and encouraged
him to keep abreast of achievements in both the natural and physical sciences as well
as the social.
There was remarkable strength of character in Brady in his allegiance to practical
Christianity as he saw it. His faith in the ultimate triumph of right was a well of
inspiration restirring his jaded spirit when trials seemed overwhelming. And allied to
this faith was his strong belief in the excellence of his country. He was the patriot par
excellence, exhibiting a love of Australia firmly based upon a detailed understanding
of its resources, both physical and human. These two aspects of faith – his trust in
practical Christianity and his patriotism – manifested themselves in an altruism and
humanism almost philanthropic. He could be a model of Christian compassion
although disclaiming any right to the label.
With these positive aspects of character outweighing the negative, what achievements
resulted? Brady must be accorded a place in Australian literature, secure if minor, in
several categories. His sea verse is without equal in this field, important because it
expanded the image of Australia from the bush-ballad subject matter to the sea coast,
the wharves and overseas trade connections. He made a worthwhile contribution to
the but ballad itself, to humorous, whimsical verse, to political jungle as well as to the
humorous serial with distinct national flavour. He made worthwhile contributions to
The Bulletin’s functions, as to several other journals. In addition, his prose writings
on geographical themes, culminating in Australia Unlimited served, as nothing before
him had done, to introduce Australians and overseas readers to the characteristics and
possibilities of this nation. As one writer expressed it:
1
In the Preface of John Morgan, The Life and Adventures of William Buckley (C.E. Sayers, ed.)
(Adelaide, 1967).