Robert Close

Robert Close (15 July 1903 in Camberwell, Victoria – 17 July 1995 in Palma, Majorca) was an Australian novelist.

Early life His early life was clouded by disappointment. He hated school, and his a passion for a life at sea was blighted when he was found to have colour blindness. Tuberculosis thwarted a possible singing career. During the 1930s Depression, he worked variously as a labourer, manager, salesman, and debt collector. He was an avid reader and won prizes as a short-story writer. During the first trial, the entire 90,000-word book was read to the jury by counsel for the prosecution twice: the first jury was discharged when the court was notified that the foreman of the jury had discussed the case with one of Close's friends. Close was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and a fine of £100. This was later overturned on appeal; he served 10 days in prison and was fined £150.