As Director of the National Gallery of Victoria from 1892 to 1935, L. Bernard Hall was Australian arts most influential administrator and teacher, yet his achievements have been virtually written out of history. In this book Gwen Rankin uncovers Halls fascinating story. Never as conservative as sometimes suggested, Hall came to Australia for the love of a woman and stayed for the love of a gallery, establishing a record of service unrivalled today. Based almost entirely on primary source material, this biography includes many of Halls own paintings and drawings, along with striking archival photographs.

Contents: What's past is prologue : 1850-1877 -- Well fitted in arts : 1879-1891 -- Meanwhile in Melbourne : 1864-1891 -- Salad days : 1892-1894 -- These most brisk and giddy-paced times : 1895-1900 -- Infirm of purpose : 1901-1903 -- Such stuff as dreams are made on : 1904-1905 -- The bright day that brings forth the adder : 1906-1909 -- Divers liquors : 1910-1914 -- The dogs of war : 1915-1919 -- The seeds of time : 1920-1924 -- The hungry lion roars : 1925-1928 -- One foot in sea and one on shore : 1929-1933 -- Full circle : 1934-1935.

Published in association with the State Library of Victoria. Includes bibliographical references and index.