In partnership with the Myer family, Hardie Grant has published the highly anticipated book, Merlyn: The Life of Merlyn Baillieu Myer.
Eloquently written by Michael Shmith, with meticulous research by historian Dr Stella M Barber, the stunning 400-page hardcover biography chronicles Merlyn Baillieu Myer’s fascinating life from her birth in 1900 to her death in 1982.
Shmith deftly captures the life of young Merlyn Baillieu, from her upbringing in Queenscliff to her transformation as the wife of department store magnate, Sidney Myer. The book details Merlyn’s life of travel, business and philanthropy, which would ultimately see her being awarded the highest honour a woman of her era could receive, the Dame Commander of the British Empire.
The narrative also reveals Merlyn’s grit, integrity and compassion. Widowed at the age of 34, with four young children, Merlyn forged a path of her own as the beloved “mother” of the Myer Store, known personally to staff and travelling to every new Myer store opening to make the first purchase and talk with customers and employees.
Chapters also recount Merlyn’s experiences as an intrepid traveller, making her first trip as a young bride by sea and eventually flying on the Concorde, in due course taking over 200 trips, and appreciating different cultures and experiences.
The book also covers her fundraising and family life at her home, Cranlana in Melbourne; her holidays with family and friends at Kennagh in Sorrento; and her business endeavours at her farm at Booroola near Avenel.
Stunning archival photos display her innate elegance and style, while the detailed biography shines a light on her work as a dedicated and generous fundraiser for hospitals, and heart and cancer research, for which she was honoured as Dame Merlyn in 1960.
“In publishing Cranlana: The First 100 Years, we first discovered the rich and multi-layered story of Merlyn Myer as a trailblazing woman of her era. Hardie Grant Media and the Myer family were delighted to again work with Michael Shmith and Stella M Barber to bring this untold story to life,” said Hardie Grant media publishing director, Courtney Nicholls.
Through the memories of those who knew her and shared her history, her own copious correspondence and meticulous archival research by historian Dr Stella M Barber, Merlyn is revealed as a great Australian.
Merlyn: The Life of Merlyn Baillieu Myer is available from www.hardiegrant.com.au; RRP $80.
ENTER TO WIN
To enter, email [email protected] with ‘Merlyn’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including best delivery address) and the department store Dame Merlyn was associated with. Entries close 9am Friday 7 January 2022 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
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