Monash University Publishing is saddened to note the passing of Wallace Kirsop.
Wallace Kirsop taught French at the University of Sydney and Monash University between 1955 and 1998. From 1968 to 2002 he was editor of the Australian Journal of French Studies. Since the 1960s his research and publications had centred on the book world in ancien régime France and nineteenth-century Australia.
In 2024 Monash University Publishing distributed his last major work, From Convict Printers to Book Arcades: A History of the Book in Australia, 1788-1890, of which he was the senior editor.
Although he was in his early 90s, he continued working until just a few months ago, publishing a pamphlet on the history of research collections and recent events at State Library Victoria.
‘Wallace had a deep love for literature and language, and an inspiring zest for publishing,’ said publisher Julia Carlomagno. ‘We will miss his visits to our office, often with a rare book in tow. He has left a great legacy through his research and his publications.’
He is mourned across the world including the UK, Switzerland, France, North America and of course here in Australia and in New Zealand. His contributions to the global scholarly community as a leading researcher, teacher, author, editor, bibliographer and mentor have been enormous. We will miss his friendship, support and humour.
