The Cow Jumped Over the Moon. Private Papers of a Psychiatrist.

Bookseller Notes

Laid in is a 2pp. letter, dated August 1956, from the author's widow, the harpsichordist Mancell Kirby, presenting this copy to a 'Dear Felix' at The Sunday Times (likely that of Western Australia): she explains that the book had been completed just weeks before Ellery died, in December of 1955, and has sold out with the exception of a few copies she has retained (of which this is one); calling it 'the work of a gallant man', she implores her correspondent not to forget her husband, and will send further copies if required. Eminent in his field, Ellery was a pioneering and uncompromising psychiatrist who aligned himself with figures from the world of literature and art, including Max Harris's 'Angry Penguins' and Sidney Nolan; his memoir is a 'mannered and eccentric autobiography which, through its compassionate but uncompromising account of the care of the mentally ill, made a significant contribution to medical history' (Australian Dictionary of Biography).