This study investigates the discrepancy between the public myth surrounding Norman Lindsay and the private reality of the Lindsay family of artists and writers. Joanna Mendelssohn, an established art historian, utilizes previously restricted correspondence and manuscript archives to dismantle long-standing narratives regarding the family's influence on Australian culture. By examining the internal dynamics of the siblings—including Percy, Lionel, Daryl, Rose, and Jack—the author constructs a nuanced portrait of their collective creative output and personal conflicts.

The text provides a rigorous, archival-based examination of the Lindsay family, moving beyond superficial public perceptions to address the complexities of their artistic legacy. The work serves as a dense, scholarly resource for those interested in the history of Australian censorship and the personal lives of its most prominent creative dynasty.