Non-fiction

A History of Trains and Trams in Tasmania – Thomas Cooley.

Thomas Cooley previously published “Railroading in Tasmania” and had completed this work concerning his lifetime interest just before he died.

Published posthumously by the Tasmanian Government Printer, Caudell in 1987. Octavo, 184 pages, illustrated from some super period photographs, maps of lines etc.

A quite special book and naturally the train systems being connected so much to the broader history of Tasmania … the development of mining in the West and North East for example. We particularly like the references to and images of early operating traction engines which couldn’t make there way into the unambiguous title.

Super copy of Cooley’s definitive book on the Tasmanian Rail and Tram Systems.

$40.00

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The Usefulness of John West – Dissent and Differences in the Australian Colonies – Patricia Ratcliff.

We think not the most inspiring title for a biography of the great man … and a well researched and voluminous one too.

Published by the Albernian Press, Launceston in 2003. Large royal octavo, 574 pages, illustrated a very good production and a fine copy.

The Reverend John Smith arrived with his wife Narcissa and five children on the barque “Emu” in December 1838. He was contracted to provide pastoral care through the Congregational Church in Brisbane Street, Hobart, allowing the then Minister Miller to take leave in Europe to improve his health. Miller changed his mind and West found himself, eventually, in Launceston.

His influence grew, over time he was to become a major mover in the anti-transportation league and a citizen of true concern about the treatment of the aboriginals. He penned the first great History of Tasmania – a book still cherished today by scholars of Tasmanian History. His obvious love for his family and his “flock” shines through as well as his desire to grow the best marrows in the land.

John West more than a Historian – a thorough account

$60.00

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[Tasmania] Living Stones – Three Volumes Complete – Emberg(s)

Described as “a friendly guide to some Tasmanian graveyards”. So a strange little set of books that may interest those with that sort of curiosity. There is also a helpful assessment of Tasmanian graveyards with points allocated for various criteria – such as possessing a large gum or pine tree or have an obvious tragedy enshrined in stone or … a nice place for a picnic.

Three card covered volumes over circa 340 pages total, illustrated, strangely informative and mildly therapeutic.

Graveyards rated and gravestones described

$40.00

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Red Throated Caracar [Falcon] Ibycter Americonus – 1802 by Shaw & Nodder

Copper engraved and hand coloured this engraving of the Red Throated Falcon.

First described in the 1780′s by Count de Buffon from a specimen brought back from South America. Can be found from Mexico through Venezuela into tropical Brazil. An unusual bird with complex social habits, although they exist in large numbers they tend to form groups of around a dozen who stick together hunting for food and for social comfort.

George Shaw oversaw the Natural History Department at the British Museum. Nodder was a natural history artist and worked for Sir Joseph Banks on his Florilegium.

Price $90.00 unframed or $190.00 framed in Voyager Natural History style … enquire if you require further information.

The Sociable Red Throated Falcon over 200 years old.

$90.00

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Slipper Lobster [Scyllarus Arctus] Ovel Tailed Lobster – 1802 – by Shaw & Nodder

Copper engraved and hand coloured this engraving of the Slipper Lobster is by Shaw & Nodder. Published in London in 1804 as part of their magnificent series of hand coloured natural history plates.

Technically not a lobster but from the family of crustaceans that include the Moreton Bay Bug and Balmain Bug. Found mainly in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, although they do occur in lesser quantities elsewhere.

George Shaw oversaw the Natural History Department at the British Museum. Nodder was a natural history artist and worked for Banks on his Florilegium.

Price $90.00 unframed $190.00 framed in Voyager natural history style … enquire if you would like more information.

Fine well executed slipper lobster engraving

$90.00

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Jardine Parrot – By Fawcett for Greene – 1884

Original wood cut hand finished engraving of the Jardine’s Parrot from “Parrots in Captivity”, published in London 1884.

This striking parrot was found and taken back to Scotland by the son of the famous naturalist, illustrator Sir William Jardine. The father categorised it hence it became named after his son … or after him as well really.

Greene’s delightful work comprising wood-engraved plates printed by Benjamin Fawcett after drawings by A.F. Lydon. The prints are hand finished with delicate highlighting in gum arabic to accentuate the bright colouring.

Benjamin Fawcett was one of the great colour printers of the 19th century. He pioneered a system of wood block engraving from multiple blocks that resulted in vivid finely coloured works. Fawcett had an association of some 50 years with Francis Orpen Morris to produce many beautiful works on birds. The engravings are the finest illustrations of parrots from the period.

Price unframed $120.00

$120.00

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A History of Trains and Trams in Tasmania – Thomas Cooley.

The Usefulness of John West – Dissent and Differences in the Australian Colonies – Patricia Ratcliff.

[Tasmania] Living Stones – Three Volumes Complete – Emberg(s)

Red Throated Caracar [Falcon] Ibycter Americonus – 1802 by Shaw & Nodder

Slipper Lobster [Scyllarus Arctus] Ovel Tailed Lobster – 1802 – by Shaw & Nodder

Jardine Parrot – By Fawcett for Greene – 1884

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