Dora Birtles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dora Birtles
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Dora Birtles, c.1946
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| Born | Dora Eileen Toll 2 April 1903 Wickham, New South Wales |
| Died | 28 January 1992 (aged 88) Cobar, New South Wales |
| Occupation | novelist, short-story writer, poet and travel writer |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | University of Sydney |
| Children | 2 sons |
Dora Birtles (born Dora Toll, 1904–1992) was a talented Australian writer. She wrote many different kinds of books, including novels, short stories, poems, and travel books. Her father, Albert Toll, started a very big company called Toll Holdings, which moves goods around Australia.
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Dora Birtles' Early Life and Education
Dora Toll was born in 1903 in Wickham, New South Wales. This town is a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. She was the sixth daughter of Albert Frederick Toll and Hannah Roberts.
Dora was quite advanced for her time. She studied at the University of Sydney. Back then, not many women went to university. She earned a degree in Oriental history and also a diploma in education.
After university, Dora taught in Newcastle, New South Wales for a short time. Then, she traveled to Europe. Before World War II, she was part of a group called the International Women's League Against War and Fascism. She also wrote reports for a newspaper called the Newcastle Sun.
Dora Birtles' Personal Life
Dora Birtles was married to a poet and journalist named Bert Birtles. She passed away on January 28, 1992, when she was 88 years old.
Dora Birtles' Books and Writings
Dora Birtles wrote many interesting books. Her first novel was for children and was called Pioneer Shack. She wrote it in the 1930s, but it was published later in 1947.
Before Pioneer Shack came out, she published a novel for adults called The Overlanders in 1946. This book was based on a 1946 film with the same name. Dora had helped research for the film.
One of her most popular books was North-West by North (1935). This book was about a sea journey she took from Newcastle all the way to Singapore. She also wrote another children's novel called Bonza the Bull in 1949. People who study literature, especially those interested in women's roles, have looked closely at her work.
In 1947, a famous artist named Dora Toovey painted a portrait of Dora Birtles. This painting was a finalist for the Archibald Prize, which is a big art award.
Images for kids
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Crew of the "Gullmarn" in Newcastle, 1932. From left to right: Hedley Metcalf (captain), Miss Saxby, Mr. Nicholson (navigator), Mrs. Bert Birtles, Mrs. Metcalf, and Mr. Moore.
