In 1884 Scotsman David Angus opened his first small bookstore in Sydney.
The business grew quickly, in size and influence, and in 1886 Angus welcomed fellow Scot George Robertson into partnership.
Arthur Allen, the senior partner of Allen Allen & Hemsley, who was well known for his love of the arts, developed a close friendship with Robertson.
In 1895 Angus & Robertson published a collection of poems from Australian solicitor and journalist Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson titled The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses.
This first collection of Paterson's poems sold out in the first week.
In the first two years after its publication, it sold 13,000 copies. It was a defining moment for the poet, the publisher and the nation.
Allen Allen & Hemsley worked with Angus & Robertson to arrange copyright for some of Banjo Paterson's most significant works. Letters regarding these negotiations are held by the State Library of New South Wales.
Letter from Allen Allen and Hemsley to Angus & Robertson concerning the copyright of works by A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson, 1908. Collection of State Library of New South Wales.
Letter from Allen Allen and Hemsley to Angus & Robertson concerning the copyright of works by A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson, 1908. Collection of State Library of New South Wales.
Angus & Robertson Booksellers, 89 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, 1916. Collection of Mitchell Library, State Library New South Wales.