RiP Peter Milne

Peter Milne, a long-time bookseller at Abbey’s Bookshop in Sydney, has died, aged 75.

Eve Abbey from Abbey’s Bookshop writes:

‘Our indispensable, seemingly everlasting Peter Milne died just before Christmas.

‘Peter worked for Abbey’s from 1971 to 2011. That’s 40 years of hard work, suggestions, insight and infallible memory and invigorating, cheerful company. I can’t count the hours that Peter has devoted to ensuring Abbey’s is a great bookshop.

‘In addition he was president of the NSW Booksellers Association from 1976-1978 and junior vice-president of the Australian Booksellers Association in 1979. He was a co-writer of the first national constitution for the ABA and was made a life member in 1994. He was also awarded the Lloyd O’Neill Award for services to the book trade in 1997.

‘His enthusiasm for crime-writing led him to create the Crime Chronicle, a monthly list of new titles that now goes out to thousands of subscribers. He was a co-founder of the Crime Writers Association of Australia and led the booksellers’ case at the NSW Price Commission hearing into book prices in 1978, which lasted for four months.

‘Peter retired in 2011 but was still on the end of the phone for me whenever I couldn’t remember some name or event.

‘Readers of Abbey’s Advocate and Crime Chronicle will feel bereft. Abbey’s and the book trade generally owe a great deal to him.

‘Abbey’s will hold a wake for Peter in the shop on Wednesday 27 January from 6-8pm. Call in to 131 York Street, Sydney, and raise a toast to Peter.’

Category: Obituaries