What made Australian boxing legend Les Darcy stow away to America two days before the 1916 Conscription plebiscite? What crime led Australian and American newspapers to vilify him mercilessly? Why did three American state governors ban him from boxing? Researcher Roger Ley revisits this century old cold case.

Friends of the National Library of Australia hosted an exclusive preview of the new Library exhibition, Melodrama in Meiji Japan, with an introductory lecture by curator Dr Gary Hickey.

Step into the tumultuous world of Japan in the 1800s through a selection of stunning Japanese woodblock illustrations. Used to illustrate Japanese novels, these beautiful images accompany stories filled with drama, tragedy and intrigue, reflecting the uncertainty of the times.

Driven by the sheer scale of losses in 1914, an concerned about how war graves were marked, recorded and cared for, Fabian Ware conceived of and petitioned for the creation of the Imperial War Graves Commission. Join Major-General Paul Stevens as he reflects on the continued commemoration of those who died in war

Drawing on the Library’s extensive collection of Judith Wright’s papers, Professor Tom Griffiths and Dr Georgina Arnott reflect on her status as a historian, exploring what can be learnt from her life’s work.

The Unmourned, a murder mystery set in convict Australia, is a brilliant collaboration by Australian author Tom Keneally and his eldest daughter Meg. Hear more about their creative partnership and the gripping historical crime series, Monsarrat.

On 11 April 1917, an Australian Division made an unsuccessful attack on the formidable German Hindenburg Line defences near Bullecourt in France. Aaron Pegram explores their ordeal in German captivity.

Using manuscripts, music, dance and ephemera materials, Dr Amanda Harris examines these touring performances as diverse expressions of Australian cultural identity.

Dr Guy Hansen, Exhibitions Director, explores how professional sport has been used by advertisers.

What happens to an artist's legacy, home and archive after their death? Explore the life and work of Hans Heysen, his legacy and the role of families and estates in managing the artistic afterlife. Speakers include art historian and publisher Lou Klepac, Treasures Curator Nat Williams and members of the Heysen family.

Nikki Anderson speaks with Caroline Baum about her moving and gripping memoir, Only.