Fishing in the Styx: Text Classics

Born in New Zealand, Ruth Park came to Australia to continue her work as a journalist, newly married to D'Arcy Niland. Determined to earn their living as writers, they submitted story outlines to radio stations, idea for articles to newspapers and accepted whatever freelance jobs came their way. The Harp in the South, Park’s first novel, was published in 1948 and set her on the path to becoming one of Australia’s most loved authors.


Fishing in the Styx is the portrait of a partnership, in life and in work, between two talented, volatile people. Ruth Park’s life is rich in experience and achievement, and her work has given pleasure to generations of readers.

‘Read Ruth Park and marvel. She missed nothing.’ Independent

‘Sydney’s Dickens...A human dictaphone when it came to the mean yet vibrant lives of the struggling, striving denizens of Surry Hills.’ Geordie WIlliamson, Australian

‘It would be hard to think of a warmer writer.’ Delia Falconer